Families For Freedom

June 10th, 2025 update:

Despite fierce advocacy from his family, community, and legal team, our friend and Harlem youth mentor Robert Panton has been unjustly deported to Jamaica, a country he has not known since he was a child.

To support Robert and his family, please donate to their GoFundMe campaign to help him settle in Jamaica:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/urgent-help-for-robert-ny-community-member-displaced-by-ice

Robert Panton is 57 years old, a father to three U.S. citizen children, and a grandfather. He is a beloved community leader and youth mentor in Harlem, New York. He is also a survivor of the United States’ war on drugs, having spent more than 30 years incarcerated for a drug-related conviction that would carry an average sentence of six years today.

Robert’s sentence was reduced to time served and he was released in recognition of his remarkable record of rehabilitation. Since his release, Robert has earned the recognition of the community for his tireless work to mentor marginalized youth. He dotes on his children and his grandchildren, who rely on him for support and guidance.

But Robert needs our help. He has lived in the United States for more than 50 years as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). We’re asking for his release so that he can remain here in the United States with his family and communities.