The families of two mothers, who were arrested during a deadly immigration raid at a Camarillo cannabis farm, are asking for help from the community as they are struggling to make ends meet.
The Hernandez family is struggling to move on after Aracely Hernandez was detained when federal agents raided the Glass House cannabis farm on July 10.
Aracely remains in federal custody as she left behind two girls, including a 1-year-old toddler.
“They ask for Aracely everyday,” Justino Hernandez, Aracely’s husband, said. He added Aracely fainted from the tear gas deployed by the agents into the building she worked in. After being treated by medical staff, Aracely was taken to detention facilities first in LA, then El Paso and finally New Mexico.
Aracely has been separated from her family for over two weeks.
Another Hernandez family is also reeling from the aftermath of the Camarillo raid.
After his wife Rutila was detained, Mario Hernandez said he’s been taking care of their 11-year-old and 2-year-old children. But it’s not an easy feat to hold down a full-time job while cooking and cleaning the home in addition to worrying about his wife.
“Rent is very expensive,” Mario Hernandez said, adding he doesn’t know when Rutila would be released or deported back to Mexico.
The two Hernandez men, who are also undocumented, are trying to raise money on a crowdfunding platform while they are still working. They fear they may be arrested every time they leave the house and wonder what would happen to their children.
“We’re living day by day,” Mario said.
Justino said what he needs most is his wife back home with the family.
The July 10 raid left one farmworker dead and at least 12 people injured, with some requiring hospitalization. Family members stated the deceased fell from a greenhouse roof while attempting to hide from federal agents.