Hi everyone, my name is Vanessa Arias. Early in the morning, 6am on January 19th in South Philadelphia, my dad, Rigoberto Arias, was detained by ICE while he was waiting for his ride to work. Although he pleaded to bystanders for help, he is now being held in a detention center.
I am my dad’s only child and daughter, and since he was taken away, it has been just me and my mom trying to figure out what comes next.
My dad is a hardworking, loving father and husband who has always done everything he can to support our family of 3. He has always been the type of person who worries deeply about making sure we’re okay, paying bills on time, and keeping food on the table, to the point that it physically affects him. If he goes too long without work, he gets so stressed that he ends up with head and stomach aches. Knowing him, I can’t stop thinking about how scared, disappointed, and sick he must feel right now, especially being separated from us and unable to help or protect our family at all now.
My dad was the main provider in our household with my mother having recently suffered from a stroke with lasting physical impacts that has made her unable to do hard labor. Without him, we are suddenly facing overwhelming uncertainty about how we will afford rent/house bills, utilities, groceries, transportation, and other basic expenses, along with the legal costs that may come with this situation.
I currently work a part-time internship while also being enrolled full-time at Drexel University. I am a Senior, and I do not graduate until June. I am doing everything I can, but I cannot carry all of our expenses alone.
We are asking for support to help our family stay stable during this time, including help with:
• Household bills and essential living expenses
• Legal and immigration-related costs
• Emergency support and communication costs
Even if you cannot donate, sharing this fundraiser means so much. Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for supporting my family through one of the hardest moments of our lives. We appreciate every message, prayer, and share more than I can explain.
Venmo: Vanessa-Arias-45
Thank you,
Vanessa Arias