I am reaching out to you in desperate need of help for my sister’s family. My brother in law, Antonio Valle, has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and his absence is tearing our family apart. He has been in the United States for over 20 years, building a life, contributing to his community, and raising a family. He is a member of St Edward’s Catholic Church. He is the sole provider for his family and 4 young children.  His sudden detention has not only broken our hearts but has also left us scrambling to understand why someone who has been living honestly and peacefully amongst us is facing this devastating situation.

Antonio has been an upstanding member of our community in Texarkana Texas . He has worked hard each day to provide for his loved ones, while also being a friend and neighbor. Any deportation proceedings against him pose a direct threat to the stability of his family and the life he has  built . His contribution to the local economy, where he has run his own lawn maintenance business and other sectors, cannot go unnoticed. His loss would be a blow not just to us but to many who rely on him.

It is critical to highlight that the guidelines by which ICE chooses to detain individuals need to be fair and just. Antonio’s detainment does not align with principles of fairness or community welfare. According to a recent report by the American Immigration Council, individuals like Antonio, who are non-violent and integrated into their communities, should not be prioritized for detention or deportation. We ask that ICE reviews this case with the urgency it deserves, considering his deep ties and the substantial hardship that his prolonged absence imposes.

Antonio’s removal is not an isolated incident in an immigration system that often overlooks the complex human stories behind its statistics. Recent studies show that long-term residents who have been detained are disproportionately disrupted, leading to negative economic and psychological impacts on entire families and communities.

We call upon ICE, local representatives, and the Department of Homeland Security to halt Antonio’s deportation proceedings immediately. There must be a more humane and rational approach that aligns with American values of justice and compassion. We need policies that respect human dignity and acknowledge the contributions of immigrants who strengthen the very fabric of our nation.

Please join me in signing this petition, not just to support my family but to stand against the injustices faced by many families across our country. Together, we can amplify our voices to demand a more just immigration system. Your signature could be the key to bringing Antonio home to his family. Sign the petition and help us make a difference for Antonio and countless others who are in similar situations.