Gofundme to help with his expenses: https://gofund.me/3286018e5

Petition to: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Federal Oversight Authorities

We are calling for the immediate release of Manuel Gustavo Martínez Angarita, a Colombian national currently held in ICE detention, who poses no threat to public safety and faces serious danger if deported.

Manuel has lived in the United States for seven years. During that time, he has never been charged with or convicted of any crime, has consistently paid taxes using an ITIN, and has built a stable, hardworking life in his community.

On November 25, 2025, Manuel was detained by ICE at the Elizabeth Detention Center in New Jersey. He was recently transferred to the Farmville (Fairfield), Virginia ICE facility, hundreds of miles away from his loved ones and community support system. This transfer has caused severe emotional distress and has made it far more difficult for him to access legal counsel and maintain vital family and community connections.

Manuel Is at High Risk if Returned to Colombia
Manuel is a gay man, and deportation to Colombia would place him at serious risk of violence and persecution due to his sexual orientation. Under U.S. asylum law, LGBTQ individuals are recognized as a “particular social group” eligible for protection when they face persecution. Manuel’s fear of return is real, credible, and well-founded.

Why Manuel Should Be Released
Manuel’s continued detention is unnecessary and unjust:

-He has no criminal record
-He poses no threat to public safety
-He has strong community ties in New Jersey
-He has paid taxes every year, despite lacking legal status
-He faces life-threatening persecution if deported

Manuel is a well-loved beautician, a peaceful and contributing member of his community, and someone whose life has been defined by hard work, kindness, and stability. Detaining him — and isolating him far from his support network — serves no public safety purpose and causes irreparable harm.

What We Are Asking For
We urgently call on ICE and DHS to:

Release Manuel Gustavo Martínez Angarita on bond or humanitarian parole
Ensure full and fair consideration of his eligibility for asylum or other protection
End the practice of transferring him far from his legal and emotional support network
Manuel’s life and safety are at stake. Detention is not only unnecessary — it is dangerous.

By signing this petition, you are standing up for human dignity, LGBTQ safety, and basic fairness. Please help us urge ICE to act now before irreversible harm occurs.

Release Manuel Gustavo Martínez Angarita. He deserves safety, freedom, and due process.