Happy giving season! I’m writing today with heartfelt gratitude for the incredible community that has united around this fundraiser. We’ve seen amazing support, with people sharing our efforts at community events, rallies, and across social media. It’s truly uplifting to have so many reaching out to invite us to their gatherings and help raise awareness about our work.

As larger immigrant justice organizations find themselves overwhelmed with the increasing demands on their services, our ability to step in and provide direct support to our neighbors has become even more vital.

It has now been a month since the ICE raid at the Riverdale Carwash, which resulted in nine of our community members being taken. This week, we successfully secured the release of a seventh individual on bond. She was transferred from Illinois to Texas, where the judge set a bond amount more than double that of previous cases. This added complexity means we need to allocate more time and resources to bring her home. The good news is that she is now free from ICE detention and will soon reunite with her family. Additionally, we have been helping other detainees’ families cover their rent for the remainder of the year, as many are unable to return to work.

So far, we have spent around $50,000 from the funds raised through this campaign. We are conserving the remaining funds to continue paying for bonds and addressing any urgent needs that arise in 2026. Unfortunately, we know that the 11/4 raid is unlikely to be the last time ICE targets our neighborhood, so the need for mutual aid funds remains ongoing.

To continue supporting the victims of the car wash raid in the new year, we need your assistance! Please keep sharing this fundraiser and encouraging others to contribute. Remember, every dollar raised goes directly to detainees and their families. Thank you for your unwavering support!