Update about the Jaramillo Family

From Companeros:

Fernando’s Voluntary Departure and the Family’s Devastating Reality

Fernando has now signed for voluntary departure, and the family is waiting to be returned to Colombia in hopes of regaining even a portion of the freedom that was taken from them. According to Estella, the mental, physical, and emotional trauma they have endured has left them unable to continue fighting their case. They are exhausted and devastated, and their 12-year-old daughter is experiencing acute psychological distress. She has also shared that she does not trust the mental-health professionals available to her in detention, which makes it even more urgent that all three family members be released immediately.

We want to remind the community that the immediate release of the Jaramillo Solano family remains fully within the discretionary authority of DHS. DHS has the ability to release the family at any moment if it chooses to do so. For this reason, we ask community members to contact their legislators today and urge them to request the family’s immediate release. Continued public pressure on DHS and ICE is essential to bringing this family home.

Throughout this ordeal, the family has expressed deep gratitude for every community member, organization, and advocate who has stood with them. Estella continues to hold hope that a miracle may occur and that her husband and children might be released and allowed to return to Durango. For those who have asked how they can support the family directly as they prepare for relocation and the challenges ahead, the family has shared the following GoFundMe link where voluntary donations may be made: Keep Estella's Family Together Go Fund Me

Estella’s Testimony at Durango City Council

During last night’s Durango City Council meeting, Estella delivered a courageous testimony describing the harm her husband and children experienced during the October 27, 2025 detention in Durango. She publicly shared for the first time her account of what occurred, including her report of inappropriate touching of her 12-year-old daughter by an immigration agent. These are serious allegations that require independent investigation and full accountability. Estella’s testimony also underscored the failure of ICE to properly train its agents in how to interact with children in moments of crisis. No child should ever feel a stranger touch them inappropriately, and this allegation reflects a deeper lack of adequate training, protocols, and resources for ICE to safely and responsibly handle situations involving minors.

Her testimony highlighted the profound trauma the family has endured while in federal custody and reinforced the urgent need for oversight, transparency, and child-safety protections within all immigration enforcement agencies.

Appreciation for the Council’s Vote and and Accountability for Those Who Failed to Show Leadership

We thank the Durango City Council members who voted in favor of opening an investigation into the circumstances of this detention. Jessika Buell, Dave Woodruff, and Shirley González demonstrated a commitment to transparency, accountability, and the safety of the entire community. Their actions reflect leadership during a moment of deep concern.

At the same time, community members and attendees expressed concern regarding the reactions of certain council members during this, and previous, meeting. In particular, observers noted the mayor's interruption of Estella while she was sharing emotionally difficult testimony. Community members have voiced that such moments can contribute to feelings of dismissal and retraumatization for those directly affected.

Highlighting these differences in conduct is important in understanding how community members experience support, or lack of support, during times of crisis. Opening this investigation is a necessary step toward evaluating DHS actions, examining the treatment of minors, and ensuring that peaceful protests and civic spaces remain safe for all.

Urgent Call to Action for Community Members

We urge community members to contact the elected officials who represent Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District and the State of Colorado to express concern and request their assistance. Issue advocacy — especially when related to human rights, family unity, or government accountability — is an essential part of civic engagement.

The following officials hold roles relevant to this matter:

Jeff Hurd, U.S. Representative, CO-03


• Durango Office: 835 E 2nd Ave Suite 204 Durango, CO 81301; Phone: (970) 317-6167

• Washington DC Office: 1641 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515; Phone: (202) 225-4676


•

John Hickenlooper, U.S. Senator

Denver Office

Phone: 303-244-1628

e-mail: casework@hickenlooper.senate.gov


Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator

Washington D.C. office: 261 Russell Senate Building, Washington, DC 20510

• Toll Free: 866-455-9866

• Phone: 202-224-5852

• Fax: 202-228-5097

Southeast office: 129 West B Street, Pueblo, CO 81003: Phone: 719-542-7550

Denver office: Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Denver, CO 80204; Phone: 303-455-7600; Fax: 202-224-1866


Governor Jared Polis, State of Colorado

State Capitol Bldg: 200 E. Colfax Ave., Rm. 136, Denver, CO 80203

• Constituent Services Help Line: (303) 866-2885

• Governor's Office, Front Desk: (303) 866-2471

We encourage community members to respectfully ask these officials to request that the Department of Homeland Security fully review the family’s situation, investigate the allegations raised by Estella, and consider immediate release for humanitarian reasons. The family poses no threat to the community and has fully participated in all legal processes.

Demand a Response to the Allegation of Inappropriate Touching

Given the seriousness of the allegation involving inappropriate touching of a minor, we urge Colorado’s federal and state leaders to publicly acknowledge the gravity of the situation and request a full, independent review by DHS. These allegations demand both transparency and accountability, especially when minors are involved and when families report trauma connected to interactions with federal officers.

We urge these leaders to use their positions to advocate for the immediate safety and well-being of the family while the allegations are fully investigated.

We reaffirm our commitment to standing beside Fernando, Estella, their children, and every family navigating systems that cause harm. Their suffering is unacceptable, their courage is undeniable, and their need for protection is immediate.

~Team Compañeros