I am reaching out with a heavy heart to gather support for my dear friend, Ambar Valentina Pinango-Segovia, who was recently detained by ICE. Ambar is not just a friend; she is family to those who know her. As a Chemical Engineering student at Texas Tech University, she has always been a diligent scholar and an invaluable part of our community.

Ambar's dream is to complete her education and contribute to society with her expertise in Chemical Engineering. Detaining her not only disrupts her academic journey but also strips away the rich contributions she offers to her community and the field of engineering.

The reality of immigration detentions is harsh and often places undue strain on families and communities of those detained. According to the Migration Policy Institute, about two-thirds of detained immigrants lack access to legal counsel, leading to prolonged detentions and uncertainty about their future. Ambar, like many others, faces this uncertain fate, separated from a life she has worked tirelessly to build.

Each passing day fills us, her friends and community, with growing concern for her well-being and future. We cannot afford to remain passive while a bright future is put at risk due to bureaucratic entanglements. It is crucial for us to come together to voice our concern to the authorities handling her case.

We urge ICE and the relevant authorities to reevaluate Ambar's case with compassion and fairness, taking into account her positive contributions to her academic field and society. Continued detention serves as a detriment to not only her progress but also the progress of those around her—including her friends, classmates, and professors who greatly miss her presence.

By signing this petition, you are standing with us in solidarity to advocate for Ambar's release. Let us remind ICE that Ambar’s place is not behind bars, but in the classroom and lab, where she can continue striving for greatness and giving back to society. Please add your name to call for her freedom and the continuation of her promising journey at Texas Tech University.