Jose Fernando Chavez is currently being held at the Northwest Detention Center. He is one of our many Free Them All campaigns.

My statement is I want to say thanks to the public for their support. I’m from El Salvador. I was born in the time of war in El Salvador. When I was 8 years old, my father passed away. I have five siblings. I have three sisters and two brothers. My mom could not take care of us. I was kicked out of the house. I was raised in the streets. I learned how to survive on my own. Imagine, a kid who was only 8 years old. I would throw away trash to make a bit of money.

In 2021, I came to the U.S to look for help. I continue to thank God for helping me come to the U.S after the many years of suffering that I went through in El Salvador. Once I got here, I made sure to push forward. I worked. I lived in Seattle, WA. I would help out my family. I never committed a crime here. But they got me. I was driving one day, but a police car pulled me over. I didn’t know much know English. I understood that they were asking me for my documents. I gave the police officer my ID. This is when the police officer called ICE. They told me to wait in my car. They handcuffed me and brought me here to the detention center in Tacoma. I’ve been here for 2 years.

I hope my statement can reach the right people because I’m not the only one who is suffering, my wife and two kids are also suffering as well. Please help me by providing me support this way I can have a second chance in life and be with my family.

Sign his petition online to FREE THEM ALL!

Update about Jose's case on June 23, 2026:

Jose Chavez has been detained for 3 years and 4 months. He has been in detention since January 27, 2023. He appealed his case. He doesn't have a lawyer. He is very afraid of being deported to El Salvador because just by having his tattoos he can be tortured, disappeared or lose his life this has happened with other people who have been deported.