We are calling on elected officials, immigration authorities, and justice advocates to take immediate action and correct a grave injustice.

On March 12, 2025, Margarita Ávila — a mother, grandmother, and longtime landscaper — was wrongfully arrested while working in Spring, Texas. During her shift, she was physically confronted by a USPS worker. Although Margarita tried to defend herself, she was arrested without ever being allowed to explain her side of the story.

Despite suffering an eye injury and having no prior criminal record, she was treated as the aggressor. Her bond was set at just $100 — yet instead of being released, she was transferred to ICE custody.

Video footage captured by a bystander clearly shows that Margarita did not initiate the confrontation. It shows her working with safety gear on, unaware of the USPS worker approaching from behind. The footage contradicts the police report and proves that Margarita was simply defending herself after being physically confronted. Yet her version of the story was never heard.

Margarita has lived in the United States since 2001 after fleeing gang and cartel threats in Belize. She has an active asylum case that began in 2012 and has spent over two decades contributing to her community and supporting her family. She followed the law, built a life here, and never imagined she’d be punished for protecting herself at work.

This case highlights the deep flaws in our immigration and criminal justice systems — where due process is overlooked and vulnerable people are quickly silenced.

We demand:

The immediate release of Margarita Ávila from ICE custody

A full investigation into her wrongful arrest and the failure to take her statement

Accountability for the law enforcement decisions that led to this injustice

Margarita belongs at home with her family — not in a detention center.

Please sign this petition and stand with us. The video proves her innocence — now we need your voice to help bring her home.