Hi everyone,
We wanted to share a heartfelt update on Lissa’s situation.
While we can’t share legal strategies publicly right now, please know that things are in motion, and her legal team is working hard behind the scenes.
Lissa is doing well — she continues to inspire everyone around her. Every day, she’s been teaching yoga and meditation to fellow inmates, helping them find peace, healing, and strength during a very difficult time. Many of the women she’s helped have since been released or deported home to their families.
And in true Lissa fashion, she’s even found a way to bring joy to a tough environment — she recently started making chocolate in the facility and launched a mini chocolate business, almost like something out of a Wes Anderson movie. Her creativity, compassion, and sense of humor haven’t dimmed one bit.
Even when officers treat her unfairly, Lissa responds with grace, love, and light — just as those who know her would expect. She meditates daily and continues to lift others with her warmth, strength, and resilience.
Thank you all for your continued support. Please keep Lissa in your prayers — they mean more than you know. If you’d like to support or share, here are two important links:
💖 Donate or Share the GoFundMe for Legal Fees:
www.gofundme.com/f/help-lissa-mel-hatanaka-fight-deportation
📢 Sign & Share the Petition:
With love and deep gratitude