Hi everyone,

As many of you know, our loved Tomas was detained by ICE on August 19th and is currently in custody awaiting his trial. He was arrested solely based on his appearance and has no past criminal history. Upon his detainment, he was sent to 4 different prison facilities in 6 days, given little food and water, until finally landing where he is currently. He is one of the first people to be sent to this new, makeshift, soft wall, no window facility in the middle of the desert, where the conditions are rough. His outside time has been exceptionally limited, he is always hungry, as the food is often inedible, and the water tastes bad. Due to the newness of the facility, there is no food commissary set up yet. It took a few weeks for Tomas's lawyer to be able to reach him, and he spent the first few nights without a blanket.

He is far from deserving of the inhumane treatment he has been experiencing since his arrest. Those of you who know Tomas's character know he is a gentle, kind, and curious man, always working hard and caring for his family and friends. From a young age, Tomas dreamt of coming to the States and bravely made the journey to NYC from his home in Guatemala 3 years ago. He learned English at a lightning-fast speed and climbed the ladder in the hospitality industry, starting as a busser and quickly learning the skills to bartend at two of Brooklyn's busiest neighborhood bars.

The main reason for Tomas's diligent efforts is tied to his family back home. He supports his sick mom, providing her with medication, financially supporting her necessary medical surgeries, and funding her rent. He financially and emotionally supports his nieces and nephews, whose mother (Tomas's sister) tragically and suddenly passed away a few years ago. Their father is not a part of their lives, making Uncle Tomas a role model and father figure for his young family members. He pays for their educational costs, clothes, and food. Tomas's aging father is unable to work, and he relies on Tomas's earnings for his living costs. Tomas's hard-working undertaking in the US made all of this possible. But now, because of his detainment, he is unable to provide for the basic needs of his family.

Myself (Jill), Tomas's honorary brother, Matthew, and close friend Kelley are starting this fundraiser in hopes of relieving some of the financial burden Tomas's family is facing with his continued detainment. We also are asking for financial help keeping his communication commissary account full so he can continue to call his loved ones. Tomas's future is uncertain, so funds will also go towards potential legal fees. Any excess funds will be given directly to Tomas when he is free so he can start his life again.

If you know Tomas, you know that he does not like to ask for help, which is why creating this fundraiser has not happened until several weeks into his detainment. Tomas is so grateful for the community, chosen family, and home he made for himself in New York and deeply misses his life before this. Any financial assistance during this time would be so greatly appreciated. Please keep Tomas and his family in your thoughts as we await this uncertain and difficult predicament, and hope that we get him back to his home in NYC.

Thank you and so much love,

On behalf of Tomas,

Jill, Matthew, and Kelley