June 24, 2026

Welcome to the Free Elder website. We are a diverse community working to free Elder Chavez Carranza. If you haven’t already, read more about Elder here. 

We are in the process of getting our website fully functional, but today we can already share information about Elder’s current situation and actions you can take today.

We intend to post an update here every Wednesday, with the possibility of the occasional urgent updates as necessary. Want updates to come directly to your Inbox? Subscribe, using the button that should appear on the lower right of your screen (if you are scrolled all the way to the top of the page).

How Is Elder Doing?

The power was out at Winn Correctional from early Saturday morning until Tuesday. During that time, the detainees had limited electricity – only air conditioning, microwaves, and emergency lights were functioning. Power is now fully restored. Communications systems, which are internet-based, were also down, which meant families and friends had no way to receive communication from their loved ones who are detained. In these times, letters and cards from supporters are crucial. Written communications will remind Elder he is not alone. Elder told Carlos he rereads letters during the darkest times, and finds comfort knowing others are remembering him.

Did You Know?

Elder came to the US at the age of 14 and moved in with his sister. After being vetted by the government, Elder’s sister was named his legal guardian and awarded custody of Elder. Elder is now an essential part of his sister’s family, living the life of a doting uncle and excited to meet his newest nephew, who was born a few weeks ago.

Elder has been in school since he arrived in the US four years ago. He is very concerned about not being able to finish his junior year of high school and falling behind in his studies. While his professional aspiration is to be a welder, more than anything he wants to be a kicker on the high school football team.

Actions You Can Take Today

We intend to include at least one action in every update. Today we have several!

1. Plan to attend the Messiah Lutheran Postcard Writing Event – Next Tuesday, June 30, Messiah Lutheran Church in Downingtown, PA is hosting a postcard writing event. Letters of encouragement will be written to Elder, and postcards will be written to the three Clearfield County commissioners, respectfully asking them, as concerned US citizens and residents of PA, to not renew the contract between the county and ICE that is set to expire in September.

Messiah Lutheran Postcard Writing Event Details:

Tuesday, June 30 6:30 – 8:30 pm, 

Messiah Lutheran Church, 46 W. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, PA 19335. 

Refreshments will be served. Drop in/drop out.

2. Write to Elder – Can you write a letter or send a card to Elder? Communications from supporters give detainees a huge emotional boost. Check out the attached flyer for specific details.

3. Write/Call Elder’s federal officials – While all communications help, Alabama residents are especially needed to communicate with their representatives in Congress. Click here for contact info and templates.

4. Elder’s Chair Coloring Pages – Before Elder was detained, he built a handsome chair in his school’s carpentry workshop (There’s a photo at the end of this update of Elder and his chair). We’ve created a coloring page of Elder’s Chair, which you can download here. Because Elder was a minor when he was detained, it is our hope that children will color and decorate the page in honor of Elder. In the coming weeks, we’ll provide information about uploading the pages. We’ll then pass the pages on to Elder’s federal representatives, so they can see the robust and diverse community supporting Elder. Please make sure only first names or initials appear on the finished pages.

Thank you for joining the community to Free Elder Chavez Carranza!