A Central Florida family is facing an urgent crisis after Connor Henderson, a father of twin toddler boys, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement during what was supposed to be a routine green card interview.
His wife Jae Read and their two young sons are now left without their husband and father, scrambling to cover legal fees and basic living expenses while fighting to bring him home.
Connor came to the United States as a child with his family and was originally protected under DACA. He has since aged out of that program but had been actively working through the legal process to obtain permanent residency. At his immigration interview, the step that should have moved his case forward, he was taken into ICE custody and remains detained.
His mother-in-law Cheryl Sheffield took to Facebook to share the family’s pain and appeal for help finding an immigration attorney. “My heart is just breaking for my family,” she wrote. “Connor is a good man trying to do right by his family. He needs a stay of removal. This family cannot be without their father another minute.”
The situation has created an immediate financial emergency for the household. Connor was the primary caregiver for the twins while Jae worked, meaning his detention has disrupted both the family’s income and childcare arrangements at the same time. Legal consultations and representation to fight the detention or explore options add another layer of financial pressure that the family was not prepared for.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched by Emma Sewell-Henderson on behalf of Jae and the boys. The fundraiser explains that the family may also need to prepare for the possibility of relocating to the United Kingdom depending on how Connor’s case unfolds. The goal is $10,000 to cover legal costs, childcare, and everyday living needs while Connor remains in custody.
“They will also need to consult with lawyers to navigate Connor’s options and prepare to possibly move to the United Kingdom,” Emma wrote in the campaign description. “They deserve all of our love and support during this process.”
As of this writing the campaign has raised just under $4,000 from 62 donors. Contributions have come in from friends, neighbors, and community members in amounts ranging from $50 to $300. The top donation came from Roland Obedin-Schwartz.
Stories like this one have become more frequent across the country as immigration enforcement actions have increased, often touching families who have lived in the United States for decades and have deep community roots. Connor’s case is particularly striking because he was detained while actively cooperating with the immigration system, not evading it.
Anyone who wishes to donate or share the campaign can find it on GoFundMe by searching Help Support the Read Family. The family is also still seeking recommendations for experienced immigration attorneys in the Florida area.
