Texas State Student Adopts Baby He Found in Trash

Jimmy Amisial, a student at Texas State University, is being praised for his bravery after he decided to adopt a baby he found abandoned in a trash pile in Haiti during a 2017 visit home. The baby, 4-month-old Emilio Angel Jeremiah, was naked, crying, and covered in fire ants. Locals, believing in superstitions, were too afraid to help—but Jimmy stepped in.

Though he was just 22 at the time and unsure how he could care for a child, Jimmy agreed to become Emilio’s legal guardian when asked by local officials. Now 27, he supports Emilio—who lives with Jimmy’s mother in Haiti—while studying in the U.S.

Jimmy started a fundraiser to help with adoption costs and has raised $60,000. He hopes to bring Emilio to the U.S. soon and finish college. Despite challenges, Jimmy says he’s proud to be Emilio’s father figure and doesn’t regret his decision.