The online fundraiser, created by leftist activist Carissa Miller, was amplified in a recent news article published in The Olympian, a local newspaper that did not include Zarate-Barbon's past. Brandi Kruse, an independent journalist and host of the "UnDivided" podcast, was the first to report on the apprehended migrant's true identity.
The GoFundMe campaign for "Paco" has since been shut down as of Tuesday. It read at the time: "On June 24th my close friend and neighbor, Paco, was abducted by ICE," the fundraiser read. "He was pulled over while riding passenger and removed from the vehicle without a warrant or receiving any information about why he was being detained."
"He is currently being held in the NW detention center and still hasn't been told why he is being held," the fundraiser continued. "Paco is a local business owner of a mechanic shop in Lacey as well as running a small organic farm, all of this on the books. He was the 'bread winner' for his family who are struggling to wrap up loose ends and shut down his business in his absence."
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Pacific Northwest first reported on Zarate-Barbon's arrest on June 27. He was apprehended a few days prior, on June 24.
"Yussef Zarate-Barbon, 34, a Mexican national, was arrested by HSI Seattle and US Marshals. Zarate is wanted in his home country for homicide and violated the terms of his admission to the US. ERO Seattle has detained Zarate pending removal proceedings," the federal agency wrote in a post on X.
Online records show that Zarate-Barbon is the owner of two businesses: Reis Auto Repair in Olympia, Washington, and Zarate's Farm, LLC. The Post Millennial obtained records from the Washington State Secretary's Office that show both of these businesses were under investigation for non-compliant delinquencies. It's unclear how he was able to become a business owner given his unlawful status in the United States.
The GoFundMe campaign stated that his businesses are now for sale. "We are working hard to sell any assets to bring money in, but it is difficult without Paco here as the business and its assets are in his name," the campaign read. "If anyone wants to buy a mechanics shop and business please let me know!"
Members of the public can report immigration-related crimes or suspicious activity by calling (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.
The Post Millennial reached out to the Olympian and GoFundMe for comment.
