Money has been pouring into a crowdfunding campaign to provide a legal defense for Maria Flores, a migrant from El Salvador who earlier this year graduated as valedictorian of her high school in Prince George’s County and is languishing in ICE custody.
Ms. Flores graduated from Parkdale High School and is now a student at the University of Maryland.
She and her mother were arrested during a check-in with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to Cesar Saavedra, Ms. Flores’ boyfriend, who is running the crowdfunding campaign.
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“She is more than just a student. She is a daughter, a girlfriend, a friend, and someone with so many dreams and aspirations ahead of her,” Mr. Saavedra said in his appeal.
He had set a goal of $25,000 to raise money for lawyers’ fees. The GoFundMe campaign was created on Friday and crossed the $25,000 mark on Tuesday as the case drew attention.
The Washington Times has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for this story.
Prince George’s County Executive Aisha N. Braveboy said she was “outraged” by the daughter’s immigration arrest.
“This happened when her mother, a law-abiding county resident, checked in with the Baltimore ICE office as required by federal law,” Ms. Braveboy said in a statement. “Maria and her mother should know they are not alone: The people of Prince George’s County stand firmly with them. We are calling for Maria’s immediate release and safe return home.”
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