The Washington West African Center is raising money to bring 26-year-old Gambian immigrant Muhamad Sillah home after he was arrested in Rainier Beach and transferred far from the community that has become his support network.
Sillah has lived in the United States for about three years, working and building ties in Seattle. He has a pending asylum case and employment authorization, according to the center, founded by Gambian Immigrant Pa Ousman Joof, which says he is not remaining in the country without legal process. He has no immediate family in Washington and has largely navigated life here on his own.
ICE first took him to the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma. The same night community members visited that facility, organizers say, he was moved with other detainees to Otay Mesa Detention Center in California — hundreds of miles from friends, coworkers, and advocates who could visit, communicate, and help manage his case.
The Washington West African Center, based in Lynnwood, says out-of-state transfers have become more common and make detention harder to challenge. Distance complicates attorney access, court coordination, and the simple presence of people who know Sillah. The center is stepping in as his community so he does not face deportation proceedings alone.
Organizers have launched a fundraiser to hire counsel and prepare for possible release. Attorneys consulted so far estimate legal representation at $4,000 to $7,000, with an initial deposit of about $2,500 before work can begin. If a judge grants bond, organizers expect another $5,000 to $15,000 may be required.
Money raised is intended first for legal fees and bond. Any remainder, the center says, would go to Sillah to help him restart work and daily life if he is released.
“A 26-year-old young man should not have to face a situation like this alone,” the appeal states. “We are his community. We are standing with Muhamad.”
Donations are being accepted through GoFundMe https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-bring-muhamad-home-from-ice-detention, Cash App, Venmo, PayPal, the WAWAC website, and cash or checks dropped off at the center’s Lynnwood office at 19203 36th Ave. W., Suite 210. You can reach the organization at 425-758-3269, 253-235-2132, or info@wawac.org.
