Editor’s Note: The following article was originally published by Palmira Figueroa from NDLON in an email newsletter on July 29, 2026.Â
We send these emails, we usually ask for help. We ask to sign up or show up somewhere to help immigrants living in these desperate, frightening times.
We are always grateful for your generosity and action. But this time, we have another request. It’s simple, but so important.
 We just invite you to read the words below. They are excerpts of statements from a few of the people who have been affected by the bloody brutality of ICE. They are the words of loving, grieving survivors who never expected to suddenly lose someone so close to them — a husband, a father, a wife, a son — to murderous attackers from our own government.
And when you are done reading these testimonies, please share them, so others can also see how this world – despite all the terror and hatred around us – is still blessed with people who live by kindness, caring, responsibility, hard work and abiding love.
(And yes, if you are able to do more to, please sign up online for our Adopt a Day Labor Corner Webinar on Friday, July 31, to learn how to show up in person to protect immigrants. And give what you can to the Immigrant Defense Fund, which directly helps families.)
Karolina Rojas
Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero was a responsible man with a heart devoted to others. He had so many dreams left to fulfill. He was always happy, and his joy was contagious. He loved to do work, and he could not stand sittting still. From the moment we met, we never separated again. He was always watching over me. He dreamed of a life with me. He always told me, until we are little old people. He always made me feel like a queen. I never wanted for anything. He gave me more than I ever dreamed of. I will never have the words to express what a marvelous, loving man God gave me.
Lorenzo and Ronaldo Salgado
Our father was a humble, hard-working family man. He didn’t need anybody to know his name. He worked hard to protect and provide for our family. To put me and my siblings through college. He taught us that good things come to those that work hard.Â
Our father was also a man of many routines. His last day started like so many days during his 35 years in this country, a country that he loved. He and my mom woke up before the sun. She cooked him a big meal to carry him through the day. He said goodbye to her and to our dog, said a prayer inside his van and was out the driveway before 6 a.m. to pick up his construction crew.
Becca Good
If you ever encountered my wife, Renee Nicole Macklin Good, you know that above all else, she was kind. In fact, kindness radiated out of her.
Renee sparkled. She literally sparkled. I mean, she didn’t wear glitter but I swear she had sparkles coming out of her pores. All the time. You might think it was just my love talking but her family said the same thing. Renee was made of sunshine.
Renee lived by an overarching belief: there is kindness in the world and we need to do everything we can to find it where it resides and nurture it where it needs to grow.
Susan Pretti
Will I ever get over this loss and this pain? Will I ever be able to enjoy life again? How does one live knowing that I have no power to change what has happened? And yet the out-reach not only from Minnesota, but from around the world has been nothing less than spectacular.
Every card, every gift, every heartfelt letter has been read, touched, held, and cherished by us all. The kindness you’ve all shown us is beyond words. Please never forget Alex and what he believed in ~ equality and peace for all. I will remember the things that made you, you. It will never take your memory. As long as I’m here, you will never be forgotten.
For all you asking what you can do. Continue this fight. Never give up your right to speak out, protect your neighbor, your community and don’t forget to spend time with those you love…
Onward,
Palmira Figueroa
Tribuno del Pueblo brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: tribunodelpueblo.org. We’re all volunteers, no paid staff. Please donate at http://tribunodelpueblo.org to keep bringing you the voices of the movement because no human being is illegal.
