“Dear PoPville,
I wanted to draw your attention to a story in our neighborhood of a local father taken into ICE detention one week ago today.
We have started a GoFundMe and are focusing on media attention while we work to bring him home. His family is very brave and have been willing to go on camera to draw attention to this injustice.
On Monday, September 8th, Gerson López Funes, was stopped by MPD at 13th and Farragut for a supposed traffic infraction while traveling home with is family in Washington, DC. Within minutes of the traffic stop
Gerson was surrounded by agents from MPD, CBP and the FBI who detained Gerson despite his full cooperation and clean record. After a 45-minute interrogation, Gerson was taken away in an unmarked van leaving his wife, 7-year old non-verbal autistic daughter and 15 month old baby on the side of the road.
He is currently being detained in Virginia at the Caroline Detention Center.
Gerson is a devoted family man who has called DC home for over 10 years. When not working to support his family, he spends his time with his two children and advocating for children with disabilities like his daughter. Gerson graduated from the Next Step Public Charter school where he was so well liked by his teachers that he continued to return and help the school. Gerson is also an avid reader and passionate musician in his spare time.
Gerson’s eldest daughter has been unable to sleep since the incident. She is used to her father taking her to the park every night to tire her out so she can sleep. Which is exactly what Gerson was doing on Monday when he was detained.
Beyond the immediate trauma to Gerson and his family, the López Funes family is now facing unexpected costs including extensive legal fees and everyday household needs for his family as they navigate this tragic circumstance and work to bring their father, husband, brother and son home.”