Aurora-Based Organization Aims to Aid Families Affected by Deportation

Kalpulli Across Borders provides financial and logistical support to families whose loved ones have been deported.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 7:15am

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Kalpulli Across Borders, a new organization founded by Aurora natives, is working to create a system of aid and support for immigrant communities impacted by deportation. The group directly pays bills, provides grocery assistance, and helps families relocate to reunite with deported loved ones. Currently focused on Aurora and the surrounding Midwest region, Kalpulli hopes to expand its reach and build a "robust ecosystem of resources" for those affected by deportation.

Why it matters

During the ongoing mass deportation campaign, many organizations have focused on policy change and legal representation, but few have addressed the immediate needs of families left behind. Kalpulli Across Borders aims to fill this gap by providing direct financial and logistical support to help families cope with the sudden loss of income and other challenges caused by a loved one's deportation.

The details

Kalpulli Across Borders was founded by Aurora natives Juan Garcia, Nicholas Richard-Thompson, and Jesus Del Toro. The organization helps families by directly paying rent, utility bills, and other expenses, as well as providing grocery gift cards. Applicants must submit an intake form with contact information, their current situation, requested financial assistance, and the case number of the deported individual. Kalpulli investigates each application and distributes aid if approved. The group has helped three families so far and aims to assist 50 people or about 10 families per month.

  • Kalpulli Across Borders launched in late 2025.
  • The organization is hosting a fundraising event called "Noche de Loteria" on March 26, 2026 in downtown Aurora.

The players

Kalpulli Across Borders

A new organization founded by Aurora natives to provide aid and support to immigrant communities affected by deportation.

Juan Garcia

The founder of Kalpulli Across Borders who came up with the idea for the organization to help families of those who have been deported.

Nicholas Richard-Thompson

One of the co-founders of Kalpulli Across Borders and the deputy chief of staff for the city of Aurora.

Jesus Del Toro

One of the co-founders of Kalpulli Across Borders and the director of policy and strategic initiatives at the Chicago Mayor's Office of Immigrant, Migrant and Refugee Rights.

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What they’re saying

“When people are in crisis, you have to ask the further question as to what happens after.”

— Juan Garcia, Founder, Kalpulli Across Borders

“So, the immediate need right now is humanitarian aid, but collectivizing this ecosystem is to say, 'How do we bring together advocates across the country to fight on a coordinated effort to ensure that we have proper pathways to citizenship and that we take care of refugees?'”

— Nicholas Richard-Thompson, Co-founder, Kalpulli Across Borders

What’s next

Kalpulli Across Borders is looking to expand its reach beyond Aurora and the surrounding Midwest region, build out its board and volunteer network, and host more fundraising events like the upcoming "Noche de Loteria" on March 26th.

The takeaway

In the face of ongoing mass deportation, Kalpulli Across Borders is taking a holistic approach to supporting immigrant communities - providing immediate financial aid to families in crisis while also working to build a broader coalition to advocate for policy change and long-term solutions.