$36K Raised For St. Paul Man Detained During ICE Operation At Bro-Tex

ST. PAUL, MN — More than $36,000 has been raised for a St. Paul man who was detained during an ICE operation at the Bro-Tex facility on Nov. 18, according to a GoFundMe created by his daughter.

The fundraiser for Carlos Alberto Alarcón Avila climbed beyond its original $25,000 goal within days of the incident.

Alarcón Avila was taken into custody while working at Bro-Tex, according to his daughter. The facility was the focus of a large federal presence Tuesday morning that drew a crowd of observers and demonstrators.

Agents wearing ICE, FBI, and DEA vests were seen entering and surrounding the Bro-Tex building at 830 N. Hampden Avenue.

"Worksite enforcement remains a cornerstone of our efforts to protect public safety, national security, and economic stability while rescuing individuals who may be victims of labor trafficking or exploitation," the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement to MPR News.

"These operations target illegal employment networks that undermine American workers, destabilize labor markets, and threaten American communities."

Mayor Melvin Carter said he was on scene Tuesday morning and confirmed that the activity was an ICE operation. He said the city is monitoring the situation and sharing resources, reminding residents of their rights.

Karla Alarcon Hernandez, who organized the GoFundMe, wrote that her father has lived in St. Paul for many years with no criminal record and has worked long hours to support his family.

She said he has taken GED classes, participated in the West Side Community Organization, and spent more than a decade cooking at Turkey To Go at the Minnesota State Fair, serving thousands of fairgoers each summer.

According to the fundraiser, Alarcón Avila was the main provider in the household, and his detention has left the family struggling emotionally and financially.

"My little sister is only nine years old, and she is hurting the most," Karla wrote.

"My dad is her safe place. He takes her to gymnastics, picks her up after school, takes her to church classes, and is involved in everything she loves. She keeps asking when he is coming back. She does not understand why this happened, and there is no easy way to explain it to her."

The GoFundMe states that donations will help cover legal costs and support the family as they work to bring him home.