Help Support a Family in Crisis After ICE Detention
Donation protected
A young man from our neighborhood in Van Nuys, Benjamin Marcelo Guerrero Cruz, a rising senior at Reseda High School in the LAUSD district, was kidnapped off the street by masked "ICE" agents while walking his family dog early in the morning. Less than a week ago, he turned 18, filled with dreams for his Senior year of high school. The dispicable kidnappers tied his dog to a tree and then unclipped the collar off him to run loose on the Sepulveda Blvd. They treated him like a criminal, telling as they joked while arresting him that "thanks to him, they get to drink this weekend", laughing about the $2,500 they just secured.
He is more than just a student — he is a devoted son, a caring brother, a loyal friend, and a valued member of our community. He carries a tremendous amount of responsibility at home, helping care for his five-month-old twin brothers and his six-year-old brother. He is a good student, with a kind heart, who has always stepped up for his family.
We are raising funds to support this family during an unimaginable time. The needs are vast and urgent:
Legal services and immigration fees to fight for his return or help him rebuild life if deported.
Basic living expenses while his mother cannot safely work or even leave home.
Groceries, diapers, and essential household supplies for her and the children.
Emergency relocation or transitional support should the family be forced to move.
Situations like this can quickly drain tens of thousands of dollars. Your donation will help ensure this family is not left to face it alone — no matter what the future holds.
If you are unable to give financially, please share this campaign widely. Every act of kindness counts.
Thank you for standing with this family in their time of need.
Updates (1)
Update from Volunteers including one witness of the ICE enforcement action of Valley teen:
We believe as of today Benjamin is currently detained in Los Angeles. This is after being transferred to Santa Ana and then back to Los Angeles. Because of our draconian immigration system there was no ability to see him until yesterday. He now has counsel through the Immigrant Defenders Law Center. We are doing our best to identify his friends so that his story can be told by those who truly know him. We are providing images in this post with the hope that people will speak out and share his story, make posters, and rally on his behalf. That his school community, students, elected officials, and others in the Valley will speak his name, lift his image, and fight for him to be released and reunited with his younger siblings, classmates, and soccer community. Tomorrow should have been the first day of his senior year at Reseda Charter High School full of promise. We call upon mothers and educators of conscience to join with us and call for Benjamin’s immediate release & declare that our kids belong in classrooms, not cages!
- Valerie T. (witness), Rita Silva (GoFundMe organizer).
Soccer Friends of Benjamin Guerrero-Cruz:
‘We’re devastated to lose such a good kid and great teammate. On the field, he was rock-solid—always showed up, worked hard, and could be counted on week after week. Off the field, he was just as reliable: kind, respectful, and someone who lifted up the people around him. He brought consistency, heart, and a quiet strength that made the team better in every way. It’s heartbreaking to see him taken from us like this, and we’ll truly miss not just the player, but the person he was.’ - Ronny C.
“Benjamin is not only a good soccer player but also known for his humility, sportsmanship, and team spirit. He plays selflessly, stays calm under pressure, always respects others. His attitude lifts the whole team.” - Suman P.
We believe as of today Benjamin is currently detained in Los Angeles. This is after being transferred to Santa Ana and then back to Los Angeles. Because of our draconian immigration system there was no ability to see him until yesterday. He now has counsel through the Immigrant Defenders Law Center. We are doing our best to identify his friends so that his story can be told by those who truly know him. We are providing images in this post with the hope that people will speak out and share his story, make posters, and rally on his behalf. That his school community, students, elected officials, and others in the Valley will speak his name, lift his image, and fight for him to be released and reunited with his younger siblings, classmates, and soccer community. Tomorrow should have been the first day of his senior year at Reseda Charter High School full of promise. We call upon mothers and educators of conscience to join with us and call for Benjamin’s immediate release & declare that our kids belong in classrooms, not cages!
- Valerie T. (witness), Rita Silva (GoFundMe organizer).
Soccer Friends of Benjamin Guerrero-Cruz:
‘We’re devastated to lose such a good kid and great teammate. On the field, he was rock-solid—always showed up, worked hard, and could be counted on week after week. Off the field, he was just as reliable: kind, respectful, and someone who lifted up the people around him. He brought consistency, heart, and a quiet strength that made the team better in every way. It’s heartbreaking to see him taken from us like this, and we’ll truly miss not just the player, but the person he was.’ - Ronny C.
“Benjamin is not only a good soccer player but also known for his humility, sportsmanship, and team spirit. He plays selflessly, stays calm under pressure, always respects others. His attitude lifts the whole team.” - Suman P.
Organizer
Rita Silva
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
Words of support (1)
Please donate to share words of support.