Arlit Maria Martinez was on her way to work in Salisbury, Maryland when she was detained by ICE agents. Two days later, her 15-year-old son Kevin died from cancer. She never got the chance to say goodbye.

Now, while her family prepares to bury Kevin in their home country of Mexico, Arlit remains in detention. Her husband and surviving children are grieving one of the worst tragedies a family can face without their mother by their side.

Attorneys, doctors, and loved ones all appealed to federal officials to release Arlit so she could be with her son in his final moments. Their requests went unanswered. No violent crimes, no active threats. Only a mother torn from her child during a medical crisis.

This is a failure of compassion and common sense.

We are calling on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to:

• Immediately release Arlit Maria Martinez on humanitarian grounds
• Allow her to reunite with her family and attend her son’s funeral
• Review and reform internal policy to prevent ICE from detaining parents during life-threatening family emergencies

Arlit’s only known legal infraction in Maryland was a traffic citation in 2015 for driving without a license. There is no record of additional criminal history. Her son’s older brother has started a fundraiser to cover funeral expenses and legal fees while the family pushes for her release.

No mother should be denied the right to hold her child one last time. We ask ICE to do what is humane, what is just, and what is right.

Sign this petition to demand Arlit Martinez be released from ICE custody so she can grieve with her family and honor the memory of her son Kevin.