Dear John,

We write to you today with profound gratitude and urgency—gratitude for the victory we have helped secure for one family, and urgency for another in dire need of justice.

Celebrating Vilma Cruz’s Homecoming

Thanks to the incredible generosity and solidarity of our community, we are overjoyed to share that Vilma Cruz has been released from immigration detention and reunited with her family after 37 long days apart. Because of your support, we were able to raise the funds necessary to post her $20,000 bond, allowing Vilma to walk back into the arms of her two children and begin healing together. The moment of her return was deeply emotional—tears, laughter, hugs, and even the family dog, Susy, celebrating alongside them.

This victory reminds us of the power of collective action, compassion, and community. You helped keep a mother safe, a family whole, and hope alive.

A Mother in Crisis: The Case of Cecil Elvir-Quinonez

At the same time, we are deeply troubled by another heartbreaking situation unfolding in immigration detention. Cecil Elvir-Quinonez, a pregnant mother who recently learned of her pregnancy while in ICE custody, has reported heavy bleeding and lack of access to proper medical care, even as she continues to wait for appropriate treatment and legal resolution. Her story is a stark reminder that far too many families are still caught in a system that too often fails to protect the most vulnerable—especially pregnant women and children.

These are not isolated incidents. They reflect ongoing challenges within our immigration system that demand our collective voice and advocacy.

How You Can Help

Today, we ask you to stand with both Vilma and Cecil—to protect families, uphold human dignity, and ensure that no mother faces unnecessary suffering alone:

🧡 Support the LULAC Legal Defense Fund — Your contribution empowers LULAC to defend families like Vilma’s and advocate for long-term legal support for other immigrants in crisis.

🧡 Donate to the GoFundMe for Cecil Elvir-Quinonez — Your donation can help ensure Cecil receives urgent medical attention, legal support, and compassionate care during this critical pregnancy.

Each gift—large or small—is an expression of solidarity and an affirmation that in LULAC, no family stands alone.

To every member who has given, shared, and lifted up these families with your compassion—we thank you. Your belief in justice, family unity, and human dignity continues to transform lives.

With hope and gratitude,

Juan Proaño
LULAC CEO

# # #

About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929, LULAC is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latino Americans through advocacy, community building, and education. With a growing network of councils nationwide, LULAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect and empower millions of Latinos, contributing daily to America's prosperity. For more information about LULAC and its initiatives, please visit www.LULAC.org.