We are standing in solidarity with Carlos Bonilla, a beloved member of our community who is now separated from his family and home. A growing group of neighbors, friends, and supporters is coming together to raise awareness about Carlos’s situation and to advocate for compassionate consideration and a path for him to reunite with his family.

Carlos is a devoted father, caring grandpa, dear custodian at Falling Spring Elementary, dedicated YMCA employee, and all-around beloved neighbor. He has lived in the United States since the 1990s and has been part of the Chambersburg community for more than 20 years. During that time, he worked steadily, raised his family, and met the requirements necessary for employment, including background checks. He built a life rooted in responsibility, service, and care for others.

In late November, Carlos was taken into immigration custody following a scheduled visit with an immigration office. Over the following days, he was transferred through multiple facilities across several states while in custody. Carlos has shared that these transfers were physically and emotionally exhausting and that access to basic needs was limited during this time.

He was later returned to Mexico and left in Nogales with very limited personal belongings. Carlos has a chronic health condition that requires ongoing care, and both he and his family have expressed serious concern about his ability to access medication and medical treatment during this period. He also experienced physical discomfort following his time in custody. On December 11, Carlos was able to travel to Guadalajara, where he is now staying with family members who are helping him stabilize and seek medical care. While he is safe for now, he remains far from his daughter and grandson in Chambersburg, whose absence has been deeply felt by all of them.

Carlos tells everyone who reaches out to him how much he misses and worries about his daughter and grandson. He also speaks fondly of the children at Falling Spring Elementary, whom he cared for deeply and enjoyed helping, including teaching them Spanish.

Carlos’s situation has caused pain, fear, and uncertainty—not only for his family, but for many in the community who see a neighbor, coworker, and friend suddenly gone. While Chambersburg is a small town, our community is united in saying that the loss of someone so connected and caring does not go unnoticed.

Hard work, care for others, and contributing to one’s community should not be invisible.

We respectfully urge our elected officials to stand with our community, to seek a careful and humane review of Carlos’s situation, and to support any available options that would allow him to reunite with his family in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.