Sole caregiver removed
People caring for a disabled or sick relative, detained or deported
These documented cases describe parents and caregivers detained or deported while driving to work, dropping off children, or appearing for check-ins in cities including Fresno, Austin, Boston, New Haven, and El Paso, leaving children alone, in foster care, or separated from a nursing infant or disabled relative. Some caregivers were deported to countries like Mexico, Ghana, or Venezuela, or left detained for months without needed medical aids. First documented January 2025, recurring monthly since, with a peak share in September 2025 and a roughly steady share of reported cases overall.
Recurring since Jan 2025.
Share of each month's well-documented stories, Jan 2025 to Oct 2026. Volume is not shown: coverage grew over the record, shares did not have to.
289 stories in 40 states. What accompanies this practice →
“I am trying to cope because that’s what I am supposed to do, but what hurts me the most is to hear my kids ask where daddy is”
Alabama
Marlyn: Asylum-seeking mother deported by ICE without her 2-year-old sonMarlyn, a mother with a pending asylum case and work permit, was detained on a grocery run and deported without her 2-year-old son, who is now cared for by another woman.Mobile, AL · Feb 2026 · The Atlantic
Orlin: Alabama father detained by ICE while cooperating with law enforcementOrlin, a husband and small-business co-owner, was detained a second time after his family's dog found human remains at their Alabama home. His wife, Paulina Mejia, now cares for their young daughter alone.Birmingham, AL · Aug 11, 2025 · WBRC, ABC 6 On Your Side, Law & Crime +1
Arizona
Ambar A.G.: Pregnant Venezuelan woman detained by Border Patrol in Tucson traffic stopAmbar Aguilar Gómez, 27, six months pregnant and a mother of two, was detained in a Tucson-area traffic stop; her husband, recovering from a brain injury, is pleading publicly for her release.“Ella es el pulmón mío. Aquí no tenemos más familia; ella me tiene a mí y yo la tengo a ella. Hasta ahí” — Mevin Josué GuerraTucson, AZ · Aug 18, 2026 · Univision, La Patilla, World Today Journal
Guillermo G.B.: Arizona father denied medical care in ICE custody now relies on caneGuillermo "Memo" Gallardo Barrera, a longtime Arizona construction worker and father of two, has spent over a year in detention and now can't walk without a cane, with no diagnosis given.Gilbert, AZ · Aug 16, 2026 · Conecta Arizona, PACER Monitor
Jonathan D.: Father of three including nonverbal autistic son detained by ICE in ArizonaJonathan Delgado, the main breadwinner for his family, was detained in a Mesa, Arizona, parking lot in front of his wife, leaving behind three children, including a nonverbal autistic 6-year-old.Mesa, AZ · Jul 10, 2026 · Univision
Beatriz P.C.: Pregnant woman miscarries in ICE detention, still heldBeatriz Pastrana Candela, a mother of three including a 14-year-old, miscarried at Eloy Detention Center after staff repeatedly told her she wasn't pregnant. Five months later she remains detained, separated from her children.Eloy, AZ · Apr 1, 2026 · Lookout News, Phoenix New Times, Standing Record +1
Patience G.: Mother of U.S. citizen daughter lured to airport gate, held by ICEPatience Gore, a Zimbabwean mother married to a U.S. citizen, was seized at a United Airlines gate after 24 years in the U.S. and held nearly two weeks, disrupting an IVF cycle; a judge ordered her freed.Phoenix, AZ · Mar 27, 2026 · Aviation A2Z, View from the Wing, Inside Flyer +2
Erasmo I.R.: Arizona father of disabled daughters arrested by ICE, deported to MexicoErasmo Ibuado-Reyes, breadwinner for his wife and two disabled children, was deported to Mexico despite a judge praising his 20-year work history and ordering his release from criminal custody.Phoenix, AZ · Feb 17, 2026 · The Arizona Republic, Washington Post, Reuters +1
Rosa B.: Teen cares for siblings with autism after ICE detains parentsRosa Barrera, 18, now cares for her three younger siblings, including a sister with autism, after ICE detained their parents at work. She is fundraising for legal help to reunite the family.Phoenix, AZ · Jan 28, 2026 · NBC News, Latin Times, WGBH +1
Flor V.L.: DACA mother of two detained by ICE while Christmas shopping in PhoenixFlor Ivet Vargas-Loya, a DACA recipient and restaurant owner, is the sole provider for her two children after her husband's deportation. She was handcuffed while Christmas shopping in Phoenix despite wearing an ankle monitor.Arizona · Dec 31, 2025 · The Arizona Republic, Threads, Univision +3
Student's guardian among two detained by ICE outside Phoenix elementary schoolTwo people were detained by ICE just outside a Phoenix elementary school as kindergarten through eighth-grade students arrived on the school year's second day. An agent escorted one detained guardian's child to the school gate.Phoenix, AZ · Aug 5, 2025 · Cactus Politics, NBC San Diego, CBS News +4
Stepfather of two detained by immigration agents outside Tucson hospitalA Mexican man who had lived in Tucson for nearly 15 years was detained outside a hospital while accompanying his cousin for emergency care. He is held at Florence Correctional Center, with a hearing set for May 15.Tucson, AZ · May 2025 · ACLU, KOLD, Tucson.com
Arkansas
Maria Guadalupe R. and Jose Ricardo M.: U.S. citizen mother and disabled son arrested in Arkansas at ICE requestA mother and her disabled adult son, both U.S. citizens from Benton County, Arkansas, were handcuffed and taken to jail during a traffic stop meant for someone else, then released without charges.Centerton, AR · Aug 5, 2026 · Arkansas Times, arkansasadvocate.com, KTLO +1
Cristina O.: Green card holder and mother of six held four days for ICECristina Osornio, a legal resident and mother of six in the U.S. since infancy, was held four days on an ICE hold after a minor traffic stop. Her husband was earlier deported, costing the family their home.“Nobody is safe at this point because they are targeting you because of your skin color,” — Cristina OsornioRogers, AR · Sep 15, 2025 · Associated Press, Associated Press, Arkansas Times +2
California
Noelia B. and Cipriano L.: Fresno parents detained by ICE, leaving four children behindNoelia Bautista and Cipriano Lopez, a Fresno couple who worked as a landscaper and house cleaner for over two decades, were detained on their way to work, leaving their four children in the care of older siblings.Fresno, CA · Oct 14, 2026 · Los Angeles Times, votefresno.com, telemundoareadelabahia.com +1
Luis A.: Fresno father here 49 years detained by ICE driving to workLuis Arreguin, 54, who has lived in the Fresno area for 49 years and was pursuing citizenship, was detained without a warrant while driving to work. He is now fighting deportation from a McFarland facility.Fresno, CA · Oct 7, 2026 · KMPH, The Fresno Bee, CalMatters +1
Father of five detained by ICE near daughter's college in Santa MariaA Santa Maria father of five, including two children he adopted, was detained near Allan Hancock College where his daughter studies, part of a day with at least 17 arrests citywide.“[W]hen ICE started showing up more frequently throughout the 805, I promised my dad that I would protect him. I couldn't.” — MayrinSanta Maria, CA · Oct 6, 2026 · San Luis Obispo, Cal Coast News, KEYT +7
María: Indigenous mother of four detained by ICE in Oxnard after questioning arrestMaría, an Indigenous Mixtec farmworker and single mother of four in Oxnard since 2007, was detained after questioning agents arresting a friend. She was released after seven hours with an ankle monitor and required check-ins.Oxnard, CA · Sep 18, 2026 · American Community Media, News 247 Plus, LA Post +1
Sergio C.A.: Berkeley diner supervisor with severe sleep apnea detained by ICE at airportSergio Ivan Chaparro Ayala, a Berkeley diner supervisor and father of two with severe sleep apnea, was detained at Oakland airport before a trip with his partner. A judge ordered his release after a habeas petition.Berkeley, CA · Sep 15, 2026 · KTVU, CourtListener, Richmond Side +1
Rafael V.: Salvadoran caretaker dragged from doorstep by ICE, hospitalized with sepsisRafael Vela, a Salvadoran man who fled civil war decades ago and cared for his partner of 30 years, was dragged from his doorstep by agents and later hospitalized for sepsis after months in detention.Silver Lake, CA · Sep 8, 2026 · NBC Los Angeles, Telemundo 52, NBC Los Angeles +3- Philip P.: Stateless refugee caring for autistic son, disabled mother re-detained by ICEA stateless Laotian refugee here over 40 years, a glazier caring for his autistic son and disabled mother, was suddenly redetained at a routine check-in. A judge ordered his release.Santa Clara County, CA · Sep 3, 2026 · CourtListener
- Edgar M.A.: Long Beach father detained at ICE check-in, denied care after surgeryAn Ecuadorian cleaner and father of two in Long Beach was detained again at a routine check-in and held without care for recent surgery. A judge ordered his release.Long Beach, CA · Aug 27, 2026 · CourtListener
Samuel G.T. and Minerva T.D.: Son dies by suicide two months after ICE detained his motherSamuel Gonzalez Terrones, 21, who had depression and schizophrenia, died by suicide two months after ICE detained his mother, the family member who helped him through crises. He left a note blaming the agent who took her.“My mom was the one who would take care of him when he would have those bad thoughts.” — his older sister Sari Gonzalez, 32San Bernardino, CA · Aug 12, 2026 · Los Angeles Times, Binghamton Herald, Global Economy Edition +1
Car wash worker and father of three held two months by ICEA Santa Ana car wash worker and 33-year U.S. resident supporting three kids was held two months at Adelanto, sleeping on cold floors without blankets. He refused to sign deportation papers and is fighting to stay.“They made me sleep on the cold floor for a week without a blanket, a toothbrush or basic medical care for the injured man next to me,” — MarioSanta Ana, CA · Aug 9, 2026 · Daily Kos, Times of San Diego, LinkedIn +2
José P.: Watts father of autistic teen held six months by ICEJosé Padilla, a 41-year-old car wash worker and father who cared daily for his autistic teenage son, was detained for six months before being freed in August and reunited with his family at Union Station.Los Angeles, CA · Aug 4, 2026 · The Guardian, News 247 Plus, Center for Health Journalism +2
Cornelius H.: Lawfully admitted 20-year-old coerced by ICE into signing deportation papersCornelius Kaihau Holani, 20, cares for his grandmother and teaches Tongan dance in Seattle. Detained at an airport and pressured to sign an unexplained document, he was ordered released.Oakland, CA · Jul 31, 2026 · Newsweek, CourtListener, Newsroom
Husband and father Doy detained by ICE, facing deportation to LaosA father and family's main breadwinner, detained after spending most of his life in the U.S., faces deportation to Laos, leaving his wife to care for their younger son alone.San Diego, CA · July 29, 2026 · Wisconsin Watch, Seattle Times, MinnPost +1- Filip K.: Asylum seeker with work permit detained by ICE at LAX flying homeA man who had lived openly in Illinois for two years, working two jobs and supporting his ailing mother, was detained at LAX returning from vacation. A judge ordered his release within 24 hours.Los Angeles, CA · Jul 22, 2026 · CourtListener
- Omar B.N.: Father of two with pregnant wife detained by ICE in San FranciscoA Salvadoran man with no criminal record, in the U.S. since 2021 and sole provider for his pregnant wife and two children, was detained outside his San Francisco home. A court ordered his immediate release.San Francisco, CA · Jul 17, 2026 · CourtListener
Man on valid visa arrested at asylum interview, separated from U.S.-born childrenA man who had followed immigration appointments for seven years was arrested mid-interview for asylum, separated from his American spouse and children. A judge ordered his release within five hours after an emergency petition.Bakersfield, CA · Jul 14, 2026 · San Francisco Chronicle, LinkedIn
José Luis: Detained father paid $1 a day to clean Adelanto ICE facilityJosé Luis, detained in southern California and held at Adelanto, was paid $1 a day cleaning bathrooms and common areas, leaving his wife and children without support and him with a nail infection.Adelanto, CA · Jul 10, 2026 · El País, El País, Univision +1- Jesus Q.F.: Father of four U.S. citizens detained by ICE at work permit appointmentA construction business owner and father of four, in the country since 2000, was detained again at a routine biometrics appointment. A judge ordered his release within 24 hours.Riverside, CA · Jul 6, 2026 · CourtListener
Wapato father of five U.S. citizen children detained by ICEA Wapato father who worked at the same Yakima Valley fruit company for 15 years was detained after his wife confronted officers at a courthouse. He is held in Tacoma, leaving his wife and five children without their sole provider.Pomona, CA · Jun 26, 2026 · VPM, Yakima Herald, Block Club Chicago +1- Jorge P.R.: Asylum-seeking father arrested by ICE at gunpoint with young son in carA Mexican father who fled extortion threats and reunited with his young son was surrounded by vehicles and arrested at gunpoint outside their home while the boy stayed in the car. A judge ordered his immediate release.San Francisco, CA · Jun 18, 2026 · CourtListener
Meenu B.: Court interpreter held 45 days by ICE, denied food and medicationMeenu Batra, a court interpreter and single mother of four whose youngest just joined the Army, was held 45 days despite valid work authorization. A judge ordered her release, citing denied food, water and medication.Hercules, CA · May 5, 2026 · Times of India, New England Herald, Economic Times +17
Armando G.P.: Father detained by ICE while wife is dying of brain cancerArmando Gonzalez Procopio, a 49-year-old handyman in Big Bear Lake for over 20 years, was detained while his wife lay dying of brain cancer; a court ordered his release.Big Bear, CA · Apr 10, 2026 · 2001 Online, Univision, ABC7 +3
Moorpark family deported to Mexico by ICE, 3-year-old U.S.-born son left behindA Moorpark mother, father and their 12-year-old daughter, who dreamed of playing professional soccer, were deported to Tijuana within 24 hours of a routine ICE check-in after eight years in the U.S. Their 3-year-old U.S.-born son stayed behind with relatives.Moorpark, CA · Mar 24, 2026 · KCLU, Blue Water Healthy Living- Armin M.: Caregiver for U.S. citizen parents arrested by ICE at Burbank AirportAn Iranian man who came to the U.S. at 15, now caring for his citizen parents and working as a project manager, was arrested at Burbank Airport after 14 years on supervised release. A judge ordered him freed.Burbank, CA · Mar 5, 2026 · CourtListener
Irvin C.N.: Father of four dies after alleged medical negligence at Adelanto ICE facilityIrvin Cruz Nape, a father of four, died days after being released from Adelanto ICE facility, having reported heart attack symptoms in custody without proper treatment. His death is among at least four linked to the facility.Adelanto, CA · Mar 4, 2026 · LA Taco, KVCR News, LinkedIn- Karla Q.H.: Single mother of two U.S. citizens detained by ICE in Victorville, CaliforniaA single mother of two U.S. citizen children was arrested in Victorville and held at Adelanto without a bond hearing. A court has now ordered she receive one within 7 days.Victorville, CA · Feb 17, 2026 · CourtListener
Reinaldo C. and Kris P.T.: Chula Vista parents detained by ICE dropping young sons at schoolA Venezuelan father and Colombian mother were detained after dropping their sons, 12 and 4, at school in Chula Vista. After two weeks held at Otay Mesa, a judge granted bond and reunited the family.Chula Vista, CA · Jan 27, 2026 · 10News, iNews Source, KPBS +2
Alberto C.: Diabetic 73-year-old landscaper with heart disease detained by ICE in West HollywoodAlberto Cabral, 73, a landscaper who has lived in the U.S. since age 15, was detained while working his regular route in West Hollywood. He supports his 97-year-old mother and wife and has heart disease and diabetes.West Hollywood, CA · Jan 16, 2026 · Westside Today, La Opinión, NBC Los Angeles +1
Jose O.: Sole caregiver to orphaned nephew detained by ICE in Pomona raidJose Oleaz, 34, a landscaper who came from Mexico over 20 years ago, was detained during a Pomona raid while serving as sole caregiver for his 13-year-old nephew and his father with cancer.Pomona, CA · Jan 15, 2026 · ABC7, CNN, North Carolina News Online- Sergio S.S.: Father of three U.S. citizens arrested by ICE at Long Beach AirportA Salvadoran father of three who has lived in the U.S. since age 12 was arrested at Long Beach Airport after clearing security; a judge has now ordered his release from Adelanto.Long Beach, CA · Jan 12, 2026 · CourtListener
Viktoriia B.: Ukrainian wife of man with cancer detained five days by ICEViktoriia Bulavina, a Ukrainian woman married to a U.S. citizen with cancer, was handcuffed after her green card interview and held five days. She was released after media attention but now faces removal.San Diego, CA · Dec 11, 2025 · NBC News, San Diego Union-Tribune, KPBS +8
Father of three detained by ICE agents who smashed car windowA Mexican man who lived in the U.S. nearly 20 years was pulled from a car after agents smashed the window during his partner's ICE check-in, as their three children screamed. The children have since shown depression and sleep problems.Los Angeles, CA · Dec 2025 · CBS News- Veronica M.B.: Mother of three U.S. citizens held by ICE at Adelanto since NovemberA Mexican woman who has lived in the U.S. since 1995 and is the mother of three citizen children has been held at Adelanto since November 2025. She has no criminal history and was denied bond and release.Adelanto, CA · Nov 1, 2025 · CourtListener
- Saúl Z.: Father deported at ICE check-in, leaving autistic U.S. citizen son aloneSaúl Zermeño, 45, had lived in the U.S. 36 years and was the sole caregiver for his autistic 15-year-old son. Deported October 3 after a routine check-in, leaving his son to cope alone.Los Angeles, CA · Oct 3, 2025 · CBS News, Inspiration Webs, KFF Health News +4
Julio C.L.: Salvadoran father detained by ICE while working at car washJulio Ernesto Chavez Linares, a Salvadoran father who supported his 12-year-old daughter, was detained while working at a Los Angeles car wash on September 11.Los Angeles California · Sep 20, 2025 · ABC7, Wehoo Online, CourtListener
José Daniel L.P.: Honduran sole caregiver of 6 young siblings detained by ICE in ReddingJosé Daniel López Peña, 26, the sole caregiver for his six young siblings, was detained near Redding while dropping off his girlfriend, prompting hundreds to protest.Redding, CA · Sep 12, 2025 · Action News Now, KRCR TV
Lorena P.: Pregnant mother of two held by ICE 3.5 months, witnessed miscarriagesLorena Pineda, 27, a Salvadoran mother of two, was arrested five months pregnant and held over 3.5 months across five facilities, where she witnessed other women miscarry before signing for self-deportation.San Fernando, CA · September 2025 · Boston Herald, ACLU
Monsy H.: DACA recipient self-deports at 19 after ICE detains her motherMonsy Hernández, a DACA recipient who grew up in South Carolina, self-deported at 19 after her mother was detained. She now lives in Germany and runs a group helping others leave voluntarily.Sacramento, CA · Aug 8, 2025 · KCRA, The Fresno Bee, The Times +2
Anastasio S.: Diabetic father of five detained in ICE raid at taco truckAnastasio Sanchez, 51, who ran a taco truck in East L.A. and lived in the U.S. over 20 years, was detained near Whittier and Atlantic. His daughter later brought him diabetes medication in detention.East Los Angeles, CA · Jul 6, 2025 · Boyle Heights Beat, The LA Local
361 arrested, one worker dies in ICE raids on California cannabis farmsICE raided California cannabis farms, arresting 361 workers including 14 teens; a 15-year-old was left caring for two younger brothers after his mother's deportation. A worker fleeing the raid fell 30 feet and died.California · Jul 2025 · CNN, Associated Press, Los Angeles Times +1
Cynthia O.: Canadian mother detained by ICE at green card interviewCynthia Olivera, a mother of three married to a U.S. citizen, was handcuffed by ICE agents during her green card interview and has been held for weeks awaiting deportation.Chatsworth, CA · Jun 13, 2025 · 10News, The Guardian
Jose P.: Father of four held six months by ICE after car wash raidJose Padilla, a father of four, was detained during a raid at the Los Angeles car wash where he worked. He was released August 4, 2026, after six months in custody.Southern California, CA · Jun 9, 2025 · ABC7, The Guardian Wings, News 247 Plus +2
Alberto P.: Father of four detained on his way to work in RiversideAlberto Perdomo, the sole provider for his wife and four young children, was detained during a traffic stop on his way to work and is held at Adelanto Detention Center. His family joined a class-action lawsuit over the enforcement sweeps.Riverside, CA · Jun 1, 2025 · Courthouse News, Public Counsel, Immigration Defenders
Jesús: Father of four deported to Mexico after signing away rights without glassesJesús, a 10-year car wash employee and father of four, was deported to Mexico after agents pressured him to sign papers without his glasses, separating him from his wife and children in Inglewood.Inglewood, CA · Jun 1, 2025 · The Guardian
Yolanda P.M.: El Monte mother caring for daughter with cancer detained in ICE sweepYolanda Perez-Magallón, 50, who cares for her daughter with cancer, was detained nearly two weeks during a sweep targeting her son before release on $1,500 bond; she is due in court April 10.El Monte, CA · Mar 12, 2025 · Peninsula 360 Press, Univision, Our Humanity California
Colorado
- Joel S.E.: Father of two U.S. citizen toddlers arrested by ICE at DMVA Peruvian asylum seeker and father of two U.S. citizen toddlers, working in A/C mechanics, was detained after leaving the DMV in July 2026. A court ordered his immediate release without conditions.Aurora, CO · Jul 1, 2026 · CourtListener
Cecilia and Ronald: Pregnant wife self-deports with three sons after husband detained by ICEA pregnant mother of three left homeless after her husband Ronald was detained at a routine check-in self-deported with her sons, ages 6, 9, and 12, returning to Venezuela in May 2026.Centennial, CO · May 13, 2026 · Denver Post, Kano Project- Hector B.S.: Colorado business owner and father of U.S. citizen daughter detained by ICEA Mexican-born business owner who has lived in Colorado over 20 years and has custody of his U.S. citizen daughter was detained after a petty offense arrest. A federal court ordered a bond hearing by July 7, 2026.Aurora, CO · May 5, 2026 · CourtListener
Jeanette V.R.: Activist mother held 9 months by ICE after protestJeanette Vizguerra, a 43-year-old activist and mother of four, has been held nine months at Aurora's GEO facility after her March arrest. Her lawyer says she was denied a bond hearing over her activism.Aurora, CO · Dec 19, 2025 · CourtListener, CourtListener, American Friends Service Committee +2
Gladys C.T.: Venezuelan mother with TPS deported to El Salvador, beaten in detentionGladys Yoleida Caricote Tovar, 28, a mother of three, was arrested in front of her children, had them placed in foster care, then deported despite a court order. She was later beaten in a Texas detention center.Colorado · Mar 15, 2025 · El País, USA Today, ABC News +1
Connecticut
Nancy M.: Mother handcuffed by ICE in front of her children, deported to MexicoNancy Martinez, 37, a factory worker in New Haven for 15 years, was handcuffed in front of her children, including her autistic son, then deported to Mexico. She now sues ICE while calling her kids daily from abroad.New Haven, CT · Oct 11, 2026 · CT Insider, NBC Connecticut, CT Mirror +6
Gladys T.P.: Indigenous Ecuadorian mother wins asylum after 135 days in ICE detentionGladys Tentes-Pitiur, an Indigenous Ecuadorian mother who fled persecution with her two sons, was freed after 135 days in detention and reunited with them before Thanksgiving.New Haven, CT · Nov 19, 2025 · Patch, New Haven Independent, La Voz Hispana CT +1
Parents among seven to eight held in Hamden car wash ICE raidSeven to eight people, including parents of school-age children, were detained in an October 15 ICE raid at a Hamden, Connecticut car wash; one was slammed to the ground by masked agents.Hamden, CT · Oct 15, 2025 · CT Public, MSN, FOX61 +2
Edwin C.G.: Ecuadorian man who supports his family arrested by ICE at Danbury courthouseEdwin Calva-Guaman, 27, was arrested by ICE at Danbury Superior Courthouse after being told to appear for a court date his sister says never existed. His family rallied, saying he supports them and fears deportation.Danbury, CT · Aug 15, 2025 · CT Mirror, CT Public
Florida
- Two Florida mothers detained by ICE, five children left with jobless caregiverTwo Florida mothers were detained, leaving five children, including a six-month-old, in the care of one mother's boyfriend. He quit his job to care for them and was left with no income for food or diapers.Florida · Sep 28, 2026 · The Atlantic
Sirena P.: Florida hairdresser and mother of seven detained by ICE as sons watchedA Pompano Beach hairdresser and mother of seven, in Florida since infancy, was detained outside her salon as her young sons watched, and now faces deportation to Haiti.Pompano Beach, FL · Sep 14, 2026 · Haitian Times, Miami Herald, Conven
César M.P.: Venezuelan father detained by ICE while bringing medicine to sick 6-year-oldCésar David Miranda Pinedo, a Venezuelan father with an eight-year pending asylum case, was detained while bringing medication home for his sick 6-year-old daughter; his lawyer has filed to challenge his detention.“Mis hijas son pequeñas, tienen 6 y 3 años. Ellas lo extrañan mucho, creen que está de viaje de trabajo” — Paola ÁlvarezSouth Florida, FL · Sep 9, 2026 · Telemundo 51, La Patilla
Katrina C.M.: Former Cuban judge detained by ICE outside Florida home as daughter sleptKatrina Castro-Menéndez, 41, a former Cuban municipal judge, was detained outside her Florida home while her 15-year-old daughter slept, and remains held as she denies concealing Communist Party ties.Cooper City, FL · Aug 18, 2026 · CiberCuba, El País, HCN Times
Jorge Luis R.: Venezuelan husband detained by ICE while U.S. citizen wife battles breast cancerJorge Luis Eliecer Ruiz, 36, was detained near Coconut Creek while his U.S. citizen wife battles breast cancer. The couple married in 2025 and had filed for his permanent residency.Coconut Creek, FL · Aug 3, 2026 · CBS News
Olga P.: Mayan translator deported to Guatemala, leaving four U.S.-citizen children behindOlga Perez, 47, a Mam-language interpreter who volunteered for decades helping police, courts and hospitals in Palm Beach County, was deported to Guatemala after nearly 30 years, leaving behind four U.S.-citizen children.Florida · Jul 31, 2026 · USA Today, Palm Beach Post, Blue Water Healthy Living +2
Jacob Z.C.: Guatemalan bakery owner seeking asylum surrenders to ICE to protect his childrenJacob Zepeta-Castro, a Guatemalan bakery owner in Lake Worth Beach, locked himself in with coworkers and surrendered after an hours-long standoff to protect his teenage children and employees. He is now held without bond.Lake Worth Beach, FL · Jul 29, 2026 · WPTV, CBS12, WLRN +7
Four U.S. citizen siblings left alone after ICE detains parentsFour U.S. citizen siblings in Florida, ages 13 to 21, have lived on their own since their Guatemalan parents were detained by ICE last fall. The eldest, 21, left college to run the family landscaping business and pay rent.Palm Beach County, FL · Jul 25, 2026 · Magzter, PRX, Columbia Tribune
Eight children, three U.S. citizens, fly to Guatemala without their parentsEight children, including a one-year-old, flew from Miami to Guatemala to join relatives after their parents were deported or left the country. Three are U.S. citizens.Miami, FL · Jun 26, 2026 · Global Nation (Philippine Daily Inquirer), Grand Junction Sentinel, WLRN +1
Ederson G.A. and Mirsy A.L.: Boy twice separated from deported mother returns with her to FloridaEderson Galicia Alva, 11, was reunited with his mother in Florida after she was deported to Guatemala in June 2025 despite protected legal status. He had nightmares and repeated a grade during their 11 months apart.Miami, FL · Jun 4, 2026 · 1News, The Independent, Neutral Echo +10
Walter C.: Father deported to Peru, separated from young daughter in MiamiWalter Marcelino Chao was deported to Lima, Peru, separating him from his young daughter Ashley in Miami Gardens, who now refuses to recognize him and has grown withdrawn.Miami Gardens, FL · Apr 22, 2026 · El País, La Patilla
Yaima S.: Cuban mother of five, three with autism, held six months by ICEYaima de las Mercedes Suárez, a mother of five with three autistic children, was freed after six months detained, following her arrest at Miami airport returning from visiting her late father's grave in Cuba.Miami, FL · Mar 28, 2026 · CiberCuba, CubaNet, Aroma de Cuba +1
Heidy S.: Nursing mother deported to Cuba after ICE separated her from breastfeeding infantHeidy Sánchez, a home health aide and mother, was handcuffed and separated from her nursing one-year-old during a routine check-in, then deported to Cuba two days later. She remains apart from her daughter and husband.Florida, FL · Mar 23, 2026 · The Times, ABC Action News, CNN +15
Doris F.: Parents detained by ICE in Florida, 4-month-old U.S. citizen left with pastorDoris Flores and her husband were detained from their Lakeland, Florida home one night, leaving their 4-month-old citizen daughter and 8-year-old without a caregiver until their pastor took the girls in.Lakeland, FL · Mar 23, 2026 · ProPublica, The Marshall Project, Reuters +1
Rogelio: Father of five held by ICE seven months, approved for green cardRogelio, 39, a Guatemalan immigrant married to a U.S. citizen with five children, was held for seven months after a traffic stop. A judge has now approved his path to a green card.La Belle, Florida · Mar 9, 2026 · AOL, Miami Herald, Detroit News +1
Carlos: Welder deported by ICE, U.S. citizen partner left raising two children aloneCarlos, a Guatemalan welder and family breadwinner for ten years, was deported to Guatemala in March after falling asleep at a stop sign. His partner now raises their young daughter and autistic teenage son alone.Sarasota, FL · Mar 2026 · WUSF, WLRNTwice-separated father fed moldy food with worms in ICE detentionA Guatemalan father reunited with his children in Florida was separated again in October 2025 while doing landscaping work near Mar-a-Lago. He reported moldy food and mistreatment before his April 2026 release.West Palm Beach, FL · Oct 2025 · Associated Press, The Daily Beast
Alejandra J.: Former Marine's wife deported after 20 years, leaving U.S. citizen daughter behindAlejandra Juarez, married to a former Marine, left her 16-year-old U.S. citizen daughter and husband behind after 20 years in Florida, settling in Mexico while her husband kept their roofing business running.Davenport, FL · Aug 10, 2025 · 8 News Now, News 9, Bay News 9 +2
Laura: Mother diagnosed with terminal cancer after husband detained by ICELaura, a 32-year-old Colombian mother, delayed cancer care for fear of ICE detention after her husband was arrested at their North Miami home; she was later diagnosed with terminal cancer.North Miami, FL · Jun 8, 2025 · Miami Herald
America P.R.: Mother facing deportation with U.S. citizen daughter who has life-threatening genetic disorderAmerica Perez Ramirez, 52, was ordered to report for deportation with her 11-year-old daughter Yoselin, a U.S. citizen with a life-threatening genetic disorder requiring her mother's care, after past stays were denied.Florida, FL · Apr 28, 2025 · NBC News, AOL, Newser +1
Jacqueline: Pregnant mother left without income after husband deported to GuatemalaJacqueline, a Guatemalan immigrant in the U.S. for a decade, became pregnant after her husband was detained and deported in March 2025. Fearful of enforcement, she avoided leaving home until a nonprofit clinic arranged rides to her prenatal appointments.North Florida, FL · Mar 2025 · 19th News, ACLU
Andrea: Postpartum green card holder held by ICE, separated from her infantAndrea, 31, a Green Card holder from Argentina who had lived in the U.S. since age three, was detained after calling police during a domestic dispute just months after giving birth, separating her from her infant.Orlando, FL · Feb 1, 2025 · Human Rights Watch, Economic Times, HuffPost
Doris F.: Honduran mother detained by ICE, 4-month-old baby left with pastorDoris Flores, a Honduran mother who fled threats in Honduras, was detained after deputies investigating a school threat involving her daughter found deportation orders; her 4-month-old baby is now in her pastor's care.Lakeland, FL · Jan 15, 2025 · ProPublica, WLRN
Georgia
Jaqueline R.J.: Honor student detained by ICE weeks before graduation despite legal statusJaqueline Ramirez Juarez, a National Honor Society student accepted to study nursing, was detained by ICE weeks before her Cedartown High graduation after a traffic arrest. Classmates honored her at the ceremony despite her absence.Cedartown, GA · Jul 19, 2026 · Northwest Georgia News, Polk Today, WQEB 97.3 +2
Luis: Landscaper and father of 5-year-old arrested by ICE at Marietta construction siteA landscaper known as Luis, father of a 5-year-old son, was arrested at a Marietta construction site. His family has struggled since to get information about his whereabouts.Marietta, GA · Jul 8, 2026 · The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Dy: Vietnamese refugee and father of three detained twice by ICEA Vietnamese refugee, husband to Tammy and father of three with a fourth on the way, was arrested again after an Atlanta ICE check-in and remains held at Stewart Detention Center.Lumpkin, GA · Apr 1, 2026 · Diacritics, QC Nerve, Southern Poverty Law Center +1- Celia: Single mother of five with pending U-visa deported to Mexico by ICECelia, a single mother of five, was arrested at an Atlanta airport returning from her stepson's military graduation despite a pending visa tied to her cooperation in a federal abuse investigation. She was deported to Mexico about a week later.“I told them, look, I’m waiting for a U visa that I have pending and there’s a big backstory on that U visa, so if you guys are going to take me in, you should probably contact your supervisor” — CeliaAtlanta, GA · Mar 12, 2026 · 285 South, WABE, Kbin +1
Pauline B.: Cameroonian mother whose fallopian tube was removed without consent held at StewartPauline Nadege Binam, 36, who came to the U.S. at age 2, remains held at Stewart Detention Center, separated from her 17-year-old daughter. She reads nearly a book a day to cope.Lumpkin, GA · Dec 1, 2025 · The Advocate, CBS News, The Pink Times +2- Chong V.: Hmong man in U.S. since infancy detained at ICE appointment in AtlantaChong Leng Vue, 45, who arrived as a stateless infant from a Thai refugee camp, was detained at a routine immigration appointment and is the sole provider for his family of seven.Atlanta, GA · Oct 16, 2025 · Newsweek, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Detroit Free Press +1
Illinois
Silverio V.G.: Line cook and father of two fatally shot by ICE near ChicagoSilverio Villegas González, a 38-year-old line cook and father of two near Chicago, was fatally shot by an ICE agent during a 2025 traffic stop. His family filed a wrongful death claim a year later.Franklin Park, IL · Oct 8, 2026 · Tucson.com, CBS News, Reuters +23- Boy, 5, left with homeless caregiver after father deported to MexicoA 5-year-old boy whose father was deported to Mexico was left with a caregiver who lost her housing and lived in her car. Advocates eventually arranged for ICE to reunite him with his father after sending the caregiver gas money.Illinois · Sep 28, 2026 · The Atlantic
José Gregorio G.: Venezuelan kidney donor detained by ICE after brother's transplant complicationsJosé Gregorio González, who donated a kidney to his brother in August 2025, was detained by ICE during a routine check-in while seeking an extension to stay for post-transplant medical monitoring.Chicago, IL · Jul 21, 2026 · NBC News, ABC News, Banco de Profissionais +1
Javier C.S.: Father with valid work permit mistakenly detained by ICE in JolietJavier Cortez Sanchez, a father with a valid work permit, was detained in Joliet after being mistaken for someone else. His young son asks daily when he will come home while the family seeks legal help.Joliet, IL · July 6, 2026 · Habeas Dockets, Justia
Nayra G.: Mother detained by ICE 15 days after C-section, separated from NICU newbornNayra Guzmán, 22, was detained while driving to see her premature newborn in the NICU just 15 days after a C-section. Held over a day without postpartum care, she was later released on bail with her family.Cicero, IL · Feb 20, 2026 · Chicago Sun-Times, 19th News, Daily Kos +12
Ruben T.M.: Father held by ICE as 16-year-old daughter's cancer treatment put on holdRuben Torres Maldonado, a home painter in the U.S. since 2003, was detained outside a Home Depot days after his daughter Ofelia began cancer treatment. He was freed after a judge found his detention unlawful; Ofelia died in February.Chicago, IL · Feb 15, 2026 · The City, NBC Chicago, ABC7 +4
U.S. citizen and father of son with epilepsy detained by federal agentsA U.S. citizen and his undocumented father were arrested walking to buy groceries in Little Village. The son was released; his father, whose younger son has epilepsy, remains detained out of state.Chicago, IL · Nov 15, 2025 · Chicago Tribune, Spokesman-Review, Reporter-Herald
Gladis C.P.: Immigrant advocate detained at Chicago ICE check-inGladis Yolanda Chavez Pineda, a Honduran asylum seeker and immigrant rights organizer, was detained during a routine ICE check-in despite having no deportation order and is now held in Kentucky.Chicago, IL · Jun 4, 2025 · CBS News, Block Club Chicago, ABC7 Chicago
Marina L.: Asylum-seeking Chicago-area mother held seven months by ICE without evidenceMarina Lopez, an asylum seeker from Guatemala, was detained at a routine check-in and held seven months in Kentucky before a judge found no record justifying it; her church supported her family throughout.Chicago, IL · Jun 4, 2025 · Chicago Tribune, NBC Chicago, CBS News
Iowa
Mario B.: Father of three with pending residency case detained by ICE in IowaMario Bojorjes, a North Liberty construction worker, father of three and his family's main earner, was detained after a trooper stopped him for a tinted window and asked about his immigration status.North Liberty, IA · Jul 7, 2026 · The Daily Iowan, KCRG
Iowa single father shot twice held by ICE, denied pain medicationFelipe de Jesus Hernandez Marcelo, a single father and construction worker from Mexico shot twice in a robbery, was detained after going to police to retrieve his car and is now denied bond despite seeking a crime-victim visa.Muscatine, IA · Sep 17, 2025 · NBC News, Minnesota Reformer, Washington Post +6
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
- Lucía: Mother detained three months without seeing her young children, then deportedA mother named Lucía spent three months detained without seeing her 14-month-old and 3-year-old before being deported, saying the children "don't understand" why she was gone.Basile, LA · Sep 28, 2026 · The Atlantic
Maisa L.E.: Soldier's wife detained by ICE, pulled off deportation flightMaisa Lopes Eliaser, married to an Army staff sergeant, was detained during her green card interview while caring for their 5-year-old son; after being put on a deportation flight, she was allowed to return and released.Fort Polk, LA · Aug 28, 2026 · Louisiana First News, Associated Press, Scripps News +10- Ana C.C.: Venezuelan mother with serious medical condition held by ICE after traffic stopA Venezuelan mother held at a Louisiana detention center since an August traffic stop says a serious medical condition has worsened and her children face hardship. A judge denied her emergency request for release.Basile, LA · Aug 6, 2026 · CourtListener
Woman detained by ICE during Kenner traffic stop as children watchA mother was detained by ICE during a traffic stop in Kenner, Louisiana, with two of her three children, ages 14 and 2, in the car; a friend now cares for all three, including her U.S.-born toddler.Kenner, LA · Jul 30, 2026 · WWL-TV, Yahoo News
Women at Louisiana ICE facility report beatings, medical neglect, missing childrenWomen held at a Louisiana ICE facility describe beatings, medical neglect and separation from their children, including a mother kept from her five-month-old daughter and a woman denied kidney care.Basile, LA · Jul 29, 2026 · Americans Against ICE, New York 1, Kaizen
Karina A.S.J.: Nursing mother of four U.S. citizen children held by ICE three monthsKarina Alvarez San Juan, a mother of four nursing a newborn, was held over three months after a traffic stop; a judge ordered her released after finding ICE broke its own policy.Basile, LA · Jul 9, 2026 · Law & Crime, CourtListener, CourtListener +5
Alicia: Detained pregnant woman miscarries in ICE custody, denied care, then deportedA woman named Alicia miscarried while detained at a Louisiana facility after being denied adequate food and medical care. She was held two more months, then deported, separated from her children.Louisiana · Feb 20, 2026 · AOL, News 4 San Antonio, 19th News
Cecil E.Q.: Pregnant Honduran mother detained by ICE, separated from breastfeeding babyCecil Elvir-Quinonez, 25, a Honduran mother in the U.S. since 2014, was separated from her breastfeeding infant after a traffic stop. She later learned in detention she was pregnant, receiving little care amid bleeding.Louisiana, LA · Jan 23, 2026 · Threads, 19th News, Latin Times +5
Vilma C.: Mother arrested by ICE, leaving 18-year-old U.S. citizen son caring for sisterVilma Cruz, a Honduran mother, was arrested by ICE in Kenner, Louisiana, leaving her 18-year-old U.S. citizen son to care for his 9-year-old sister alone.Kenner, LA · Dec 9, 2025 · CBS News, WBUR, Journal Sentinel +3
Iranian protester deported in restraint jacket, ICE gave Iranian authorities his phoneA Kurdish Iranian man who joined 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests and fled with his pregnant wife was forcibly deported to Tehran in a restraint jacket, then escaped to Iraqi Kurdistan, separated from his wife and newborn in Kentucky.Alexandria, LA · Sep 30, 2025 · TIME, CBS News, MS Now
Paola C.: Marine veteran's wife and new mother held by ICE two monthsPaola Clouatre, 25, a mother of two married to a Marine veteran, was arrested at a USCIS office while breastfeeding her baby. She was freed after two months in detention when a judge reopened her case.New Orleans, LA · Aug 5, 2025 · FOX 8, WBRZ, Associated Press +4
Wendy B.: Louisiana mother detained 200 miles from home after routine ICE check-inWendy Brito, a Salvadoran asylum-seeker, mother of three and school volunteer who has lived near New Orleans for 15 years, was detained at a routine check-in and is now held 200 miles from her children.Basile, LA · March 2025 · The Independent, NewsWav, El Risala +2
Maine
Dannick M.B.: Congolese asylum seeker, jail officer, detained by ICE at routine check-inDannick Massamba-Bankela, a Cumberland County jail officer and sole breadwinner for his wife and two young children, was detained by ICE after a routine check-in despite a pending asylum claim and no criminal record.Scarborough, ME · Sep 22, 2026 · Press Herald, Maine Public, The Maine Wire +1
Yubizay T.L.: Venezuelan single mother seeking asylum detained by CBP on way to workYubizay del Carmen Torrealba Linarez, 20, a single mother who fled violence in Venezuela, was detained while heading to her greenhouse job in Madison. Her sister now cares for her young daughter.Madison, ME · Feb 26, 2026 · Maine Public, Central Maine, WBUR
Mayra V.L.: Ecuadorian mother detained by ICE in Maine, daughter left without caretakerMayra Vaca Latacunga, 25, a single mother working in Maine's seafood industry, was detained while her 5-year-old daughter was at school. She was held for days before release with an ankle monitor and reunion with her child.Biddeford, ME · Jan 27, 2026 · Boston Globe, WBUR, Maine Public
Micheline N.: Mother of 4 detained by ICE after school drop-off in PortlandMicheline Ntumba, a Portland mother of four from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was detained after dropping her child at school. Agents followed her home and took her away without explanation; she has lived here nearly 10 years.Portland, ME · Jan 21, 2026 · News Center Maine, The Maine Monitor, Press Herald +2
Maryland
Dulce D.M.: U.S.-born mother held 25 days by ICE, missed Christmas with sonDulce Consuelo Diaz Morales, 22, a mother born in Maryland, was detained near Baltimore and held 25 days despite presenting a birth certificate, missing Christmas with her 5-year-old son. DHS later dismissed her case after confirming her citizenship.Maryland · Oct 8, 2026 · CBS News, NBC Washington, WBALtv +16- Jose J.B.: Father of special-needs child arrested by ICE without warrant on commuteA Guatemalan man who has lived in the U.S. 22 years is the sole provider for his family, including a child with special needs. A court ruled his warrantless arrest unlawful and ordered his release.Maryland · Jun 22, 2026 · CourtListener
Oscar: Honduran activist deported to Honduras while wife, children granted asylum in MarylandOscar, a 32-year-old Honduran environmental activist who fled death threats, was arrested at a routine ICE check-in and deported, while his wife and two young children were granted asylum in Maryland. He now hides alone in Honduras.Maryland · May 8, 2026 · The Guardian, Cash Winner, The Fappening Newz
Arlit M.C.: Mother detained by ICE days before teen son's cancer death, later self-deportsArlit Martinez-Carrada, a Mexican mother in Salisbury, Maryland, was detained while heading to work days before her 15-year-old son died of cancer; she was later freed on bond to attend his funeral and has decided to self-deport.Salisbury, MD · Jan 10, 2026 · WSAZ, CBS News, The Independent +5
Elsy B.: Maryland mother's car window smashed in ICE arrestElsy Noemi Berrios, a single mother of four with a work permit, was pulled from her car and handcuffed after agents smashed her window; ICE alleges MS-13 ties but has shown no evidence.Westminster, MD · Mar 31, 2025 · CNN, CBS News, FOX 5 DC
Massachusetts
Melanie T.: Asylum-seeking mother detained by ICE outside Boston police stationMelanie Tinoco, 29, an Ecuadorian mother of two with a pending asylum case, was detained by ICE outside a Boston police station. Her husband now cares alone for their autistic son.Boston, MA · Oct 7, 2026 · CBS News, WGBH
Margarita M.: Honduran mother self-deports with U.S. citizen daughter, older daughters stay in BostonHonduran mother Margarita Melgar, in the U.S. 12 years, left for Honduras with her 10-year-old U.S. citizen daughter rather than face indefinite detention, leaving two older daughters in Boston.Brighton, MA · Jun 30, 2026 · WGBH, New York Times, CBS News +2
Hector C.: Guatemalan landscaper detained by ICE at Saugus Town HallHector Chavez, 25, a landscaper with a pending asylum case and valid work permit, was detained while working at Saugus Town Hall, leaving his two young U.S.-born children asking for him.Saugus, MA · Sep 10, 2025 · Boston Globe, TURNTO10, Boston.com
Luis B.: Lynn father tricked by fake ICE wellness call, detainedLuis Barreras, a father of three, was taken into custody at his home after ICE agents called claiming they wanted to check on his children's well-being.Lynn, MA · Jun 9, 2025 · NBC Boston, Telemundo Nueva Inglaterra
Michigan
Leya: Cuban mother detained by ICE, separated from her nursing daughter in MichiganLeya, a recent Cuban immigrant, was arrested instead of her abusive boyfriend after police responded to a dispute in Wyoming, Michigan. She was later detained and separated from her nursing daughter, who stopped calling her "Mamá."Wyoming, MI · Oct 14, 2026 · ProPublica
Salman: Indonesian restaurant owner detained by ICE, Flint business shutteredSalman FNU, an Indonesian restaurant co-owner and family breadwinner in Flint, was detained on his way to work, forcing the closure of his restaurant and leaving seven people jobless.Flint, MI · Sep 25, 2026 · ABC 12, MLive, Everlit +1
Mario C.J.: Guatemalan father dies in crash fleeing mistaken-identity ICE stop in MichiganMario David Coronado Juarez, a 36-year-old Guatemalan construction worker and father building a house for his family, died in a fiery crash in Grand Rapids while fleeing an ICE traffic stop meant for someone else.“Mario was a hardworking man for the working class. He lived a humble life. I’m showing you here who Mario is” — Gema LoweGrand Rapids, MI · Sep 23, 2026 · The Guardian, MLive, NBC News +5
Mamady C.: Asylum seeker caring for disabled veteran held nearly nine months by ICEMamady Camara, 21, fled unrest in Guinea and worked as a caregiver for a disabled Navy veteran in Ypsilanti. He has been held nearly nine months after his asylum claim was denied, and is now appealing.Detroit, MI · Sep 17, 2026 · MLive, CourtListener- Miguel R.R.: Widowed father detained by ICE, daughter postpones college to raise siblingsMiguel Rosas Ruiz, a widowed Michigan painting business owner and father of four, was detained near Ypsilanti in March. His daughter postponed college to raise her siblings before he was freed on bond in April.Michigan · Apr 16, 2026 · CNN, MLive, Michigan Daily +1
Asylum seeker separated from 3-month-old infant held at Michigan ICE centerA Venezuelan asylum seeker who entered legally through a port of entry was separated from her 3-month-old after a false accusation, and now faces deportation or relocation without her baby amid harsh conditions at a Michigan detention center.Baldwin, MI · Feb 24, 2026 · AOL, Archive.is
Minnesota
Renée G.: U.S. citizen and Minneapolis mother fatally shot by ICE agentRenée Good, 37, a Minneapolis mother of three and poet, was fatally shot by an ICE agent while driving away after warning neighbors of an immigration operation. Her family has filed federal lawsuits over her death.Minneapolis, MN · Sep 30, 2026 · Wired, MPR News, CBC +50
Abel: Father of four detained by ICE while delivering groceries to neighborsAbel, who has lived in Minnesota 29 years and raised four U.S.-born children, was detained while delivering groceries to neighbors through a church program. He was later released, but his sons were traumatized after witnessing the arrest.Minneapolis, MN · Apr 5, 2026 · NPR, Sahan Journal, Star Tribune
Aldrin: Father detained by ICE in Minnesota as young daughters watchedAldrin, a father and his family's main provider, was detained in January 2026 after agents followed him home in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, as his young daughters watched from a window. He was later moved to New Mexico.Columbia Heights, MN · Feb 24, 2026 · Give a Hand, Greater Long Island, MLive +1
Antonia A.M.: Nursing mother held by ICE without breast pump, milk dries upAntonia Aguilar Maldonado, a mother of two from El Salvador, was detained nearly a month without a breast pump for her nursing toddler, and her milk dried up before her release on bond.Minnesota · Feb 20, 2026 · 19th News, WLRN, News 4 San Antonio
Jesus F.: Father of six lured from home by ICE agents faking car troubleJesus Flores, a mechanic and father of six, two with autism, was lured outside his Minnesota home by agents faking car trouble and detained. His family says he was transferred to Texas within 48 hours.Columbia Heights, MN · Feb 13, 2026 · CBS News, Fox 9, Channel 3000
Mother of 11-year-old detained buying groceries, sent 1,400 miles to TexasAn Ecuadorian mother of an 11-year-old was detained after leaving her apartment to buy groceries, then flown 1,400 miles to a Texas facility. A court order brought her back to Minneapolis detention on Friday.Minneapolis, MN · Feb 5, 2026 · CNN, Local 3 News, CNN +1
Burmese refugee mother with heart disease arrested by ICE while breastfeedingTa Eh Doh Lah, a Burmese refugee mother of four with a heart condition, was arrested while breastfeeding her baby and sent to Texas; a judge ordered her released and returned to Minnesota.Minnesota · Feb 3, 2026 · NextShark, KGW, CourtListener
Alberto C.M.: Mexican roofer suffers skull fractures and brain hemorrhages in ICE custodyAlberto Castañeda Mondragón, a 31-year-old roofer and business owner supporting a daughter in Mexico, suffered eight skull fractures in ICE custody; a judge ordered his release and the FBI is investigating.St. Paul, MN · Jan 31, 2026 · CourtListener, Sahan Journal, Star Tribune +10
Khadra M.M.: St. Cloud refugee mother held by ICE in Texas, separated from sonKhadra Muse Mohamed, a 25-year-old Somali refugee and single mother in St. Cloud, was pulled over and detained, separating her from her 7-year-old son and disabled stepfather for nine days before her release.St. Cloud, MN · Jan 10, 2026 · Sahan Journal, AOL, NPR +2- Eritrean mother of three detained while her green card application was pendingAn Eritrean single mother of three with a pending green card application was detained during a five-hour interview, then released days later after her green card was approved.Minnesota · Jan 9, 2026 · Sahan Journal, NPR, Star Tribune +1
Isabel: Honduran mother's work permit and ID withheld by ICE despite judge's orderIsabel, a single mother of two from Honduras with a pending asylum case, was held four days before a judge ordered her release. ICE has not returned her work permit, ID, and her daughter's passport.Bloomington, MN · Jan 2026 · Mother Jones, NBC Chicago, ICE
Antonia A.M.: Twin Cities mother of two U.S. citizen children detained by ICEAntonia Aguilar Maldonado, a mother of two U.S. citizen children, was freed after a federal judge's order, having been detained in July while on her way to work despite an active asylum case.Fort Snelling, MN · Aug 13, 2025 · MPR News, Fox 9, KSTP +3
Missouri
- Breastfeeding St. Louis mother detained by ICE, kept weeks from infantA St. Louis mother with no criminal history was detained three months postpartum while still breastfeeding, despite ICE policy against it, and went weeks without seeing her infant.St. Louis, MO · Sep 28, 2026 · The Atlantic
Nixon P.P. and Glendy G.C.: Missouri couple shot dead in Guatemala after ICE arrest, three daughters orphanedGlendy Marisol González de la Cruz, 25, self-deported to Guatemala to reunite with her husband after he was arrested near their Missouri home, and both were later found shot dead, leaving three young daughters orphaned.Overland, MO · Jul 26, 2026 · St. Louis Public Radio, Soy 502, KCUR
Heidy C.: Kansas City mother of autistic U.S. child faces deportationHeidy Cifuentes, a pork plant worker and mother of three U.S.-born children, cares for her autistic 5-year-old daughter but was denied a stay and now faces deportation.Kansas City, MO · Jun 2, 2025 · Kansas City Star, Telemundo Kansas City
Montana
- Jesus V.H.: Montana father of U.S. citizen children held by Border Patrol, denied medicationJesus Verde Hernandez, a Worden father of three with a 14-year partner, was held 30 hours with little food after Border Patrol mistook him for someone else. A judge ordered his release, finding the detention unconstitutional.Lewistown, MT · Jul 30, 2026 · Daily Montanan, Lewistown News, PACER Monitor
Jose C.T.: Bozeman caregiver for grandmother with cancer held over 24 hours by ICEJose David Cortes-Torres, 20, who cares for his grandmother during her cancer treatment, was held over 24 hours after a traffic stop near Bozeman and forced to stand for six hours.Bozeman, MT · Jul 1, 2026 · KBZK, Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Montana Free Press +4
Roberto O.R.: Father of four U.S. citizens held 109 days in ICE detentionRoberto Orozco-Ramirez, a diesel mechanic and father of four who spent 25 years building a business in Froid, Montana, was freed after 109 days in detention when a judge ruled his continued holding unlawful.Great Falls, MT · May 15, 2026 · Montana Free Press, THIRTEEN, PBS +5
Nebraska
Guadalupe C.M.: Mother detained in Omaha ICE meatpacking raid, 19-year-old son left supporting familyGuadalupe Cabrera Mejia, a meatpacking worker in Omaha, was detained in a June 2025 ICE raid, leaving her then-19-year-old son to support the family. She later received a one-year prison sentence.Omaha, NE · Jun 10, 2026 · WOWT, NBC News, KETV +9
Jorge C.R.: Salvadoran father of three held two months by ICE without bond hearingJorge Calderon Rivera, a Salvadoran father of three who had lived in Omaha a decade, was held two months after a traffic stop before a judge ordered a bond hearing. He was freed and reunited with his family.Omaha, NE · Mar 3, 2026 · Gray Television, Nebraska Examiner, KSNB Local 4 +2
Sabina C.L.: Omaha mother held months after ICE defied bond orderSabina Carmona-Lorenzo, mother of five U.S. citizen children living in Nebraska over 20 years, was held for months after ICE blocked a judge's bond order; a federal judge ordered her released.Omaha, NE · Sep 3, 2025 · ACLU of Nebraska, KETV, WOWT
Luis M.: U.S. citizen left caring for siblings after mother detained in ICE raidLuis Mejía, 20, a Nebraska native raised in South Omaha, was briefly held at work during the Glenn Valley Foods raid before being cleared as a citizen, while his mother was detained for days.Omaha, NE · Jun 10, 2025 · NBC News, Nebraska Public Media, Nebraska Examiner +1- 11-year-old autistic girl placed in foster care after father detained by ICEAn 11-year-old autistic girl was placed in Nebraska foster care after her father was picked up by ICE in June 2025.Nebraska · Jun 2025 · CNN
Nevada
New Jersey
Martín S.: Father held in solitary, wife loses pregnancy during ICE detentionMartin Soto, a restaurant cook and father of two, was detained by ICE while buying diapers for his son. He spent months in solitary confinement, where his wife told him she had lost her pregnancy.Kearny, NJ · Oct 6, 2026 · NJ.com, Mamas Latinas, Truthout +16
Tonny Q.R.: South Orange father of child with Down's syndrome detained by ICETonny Quesada-Ramirez, who has lived in the U.S. for 26 years and cares for a child with Down's syndrome, was detained while working on his home but released days later after community fundraising and advocacy.South Orange, NJ · Aug 8, 2026 · Montclair Local, Newsweek, Village Green
Iemad S.: Syrian restaurant owner and autistic son's caregiver detained by ICE at check-inIemad Saifo, 65, a Syrian-born chef who owns a Collingswood restaurant and cares for his autistic son, was detained during what he thought was a routine check-in. After community support and a court order, he was granted bond and released.“He says not to worry - as any father would,” — Zena, his daughterNew Jersey · Jul 31, 2026 · The Retrospect, The Sun Papers, Explore New Jersey +6
Construction business owner detained by ICE, leaves children including nonverbal autistic sonA construction business owner was detained by ICE while driving to work, leaving behind an 11-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old nonverbal autistic son who depends on him daily. His family is seeking legal help to reunite with him.Dover, NJ · Jun 26, 2026 · The News & Observer, Chicago Sun-Times
Clara L. and Rita L.: Teen suffers worsening hair loss after ICE detains her mother before graduationClara Linhares, 17, says stress from her mother Rita's detention before her graduation has worsened her alopecia-related hair loss. Rita, 46, remains held in Newark while seeking medication for several health conditions.Newark, NJ · May 23, 2026 · Brazilian Times, Working Class NewsPatricia B.S.: U.S. citizen honors student, 17, left alone after mother deported to MexicoPatricia Balbuena Soto, a New Jersey mother of nearly 30 years, was deported to Mexico on August 5, 2025, leaving her 17-year-old honors-student daughter to manage school, finances and the mortgage alone.Atlantic County, NJ · May 12, 2026 · NJ.com, And Diligence, Newsweek +2
- Elmer G.A.: Bronx cook and father of five U.S. citizens denied bond hearingElmer Gonzalez Altamirano, a Bronx cook who has lived in the U.S. 20 years and supports his wife and five children, was wrongly denied a bond hearing. A federal judge ordered his immediate release on March 25, 2026.Newark, NJ · Feb 11, 2026 · Documented, Standing Record, EXA
Heury G.: NYC green card holder, sole caretaker of disabled son, detained by ICEHeury Gomez, sole caretaker of his disabled 18-year-old son Noah, was detained by ICE for over three months before a judge ordered his release in time for Thanksgiving.Newark, NJ · Nov 22, 2025 · nydailynews.com, AM New York
New Mexico
Father detained by ICE at work in Albuquerque without a bond hearingA father arrested at work in Albuquerque, called 'the pillar' of his household, was ordered released within 48 hours after a judge ruled his detention without a bond hearing unlawful.“We have some savings, but the lawyer told us we need to be prepared in case bail is set—which could range from $5,000 to $10,000—in addition to her legal fees. We would be deeply grateful for any help you could provide; he is the pillar of our family.” — Patty RodriguezAlbuquerque, NM · Aug 21, 2026 · Santa Fe New Mexican, EXA
Paulo Cesar G.L.: DACA father of four U.S. citizen children held 42 days by ICEPaulo Cesar Gamez Lira, a 27-year-old father of four, was held 42 days after agents surrounded his car with his young children present. A judge ordered his release, ending his separation from a three-month-old with serious medical needs.Albuquerque, New Mexico · Sep 24, 2025 · ACLU of New Mexico, Spectrum Local News, El Paso Times +2
New York
Mother deported despite bond among 57 arrested in New York factory raidOver 60 agents raided a Cato, New York snack factory, arresting 57 workers including pregnant women and mothers. Juana Castillo Avelar, a mother of three U.S. citizen children living here over 20 years, was deported despite being granted bond.Cato, NY · Sep 3, 2026 · Bloomberg Law News, Daily Freeman, WTOP +7
Sae Joon P.: Purple Heart veteran from Hawaii self-deported to South Korea after ICE threatSae Joon Park, 57, a Purple Heart veteran who raised two children in Hawaii, self-deported to South Korea after ICE threatened detention. New York's governor pardoned one conviction, but his return remains uncertain.New York, NY · Aug 31, 2026 · Documented, CNN, Political +2
Scarleth: 10-year-old calls out as ICE arrests father outside New York immigration courtScarleth, 10, cried out as her father was arrested by ICE outside a New York immigration court, asking why they were taking "the only one I have." The photo of the moment won the World Press Photo Contest.“Why are you taking my papa from me? He’s the only one I have.” — ScarlethNew York, NY · June 2026 · CNN, EXA
Hugo A.O.: Shelter Island truck driver, father of newborn, held 23 days by ICEHugo Leonel Ardon Osorio, a Guatemalan truck driver on Shelter Island for over 20 years, was detained while commuting to work and held 23 days. He returned to his family and job in March.“As the primary breadwinner of the home, his wife and their newborn baby have been left not only in terror, not knowing where he has been taken, but also the financial insecurity to buy groceries and pay their rent.” — Anita Boyer, fundraiser organizerGreenport, NY · Mar 1, 2026 · Patch, Suffolk Times, East End Beacon +2
Cary L.A.: Nine-months-pregnant U.S. citizen restrained and held overnight by ICECary López Alvarado, a U.S. citizen, was detained nine months pregnant outside immigration court and released only after her citizenship was confirmed. Her husband was later deported; she seeks $1 million in damages.New York, NY · Feb 20, 2026 · 19th News, WLRN, The 19th +1
Ofelia T. and Ruben T.M.: U.S. citizen teen with stage 4 cancer dies, father detained by ICEOfelia Torres, 16, a Chicago high school junior with stage 4 cancer, died Feb. 13, 2026, days after a judge granted her detained father protection from deportation. She had publicly pushed for his release.New York, NY · Feb 16, 2026 · The Independent, NBC News, CBS News +2
Alex U.: Bay Shore father of four detained by ICE while shopping at WalmartAlex Umanzor, 45, a Honduran construction worker, was detained at a Walmart during a routine shopping trip. His eldest son now cares for two younger sisters, ages 10 and 2.Bay Shore, NY · Feb 16, 2026 · Greater Long Island, Immigrant Defenders Law Center, Boise Public Radio
Alexandro R.M.: Vineyard foreman detained by ICE, family with autistic son loses breadwinnerAlexandro Rivera Magaña, a vineyard foreman and father supporting a son with severe autism and a 5-year-old, was detained at a Greenport coffee shop, leaving his family facing financial hardship.Greenport, NY · Feb 4, 2026 · Patch, Shelter Island Reporter, Archive +1
Martir Z.D.: Vineyard worker of 23 years detained by ICE, family loses breadwinnerMartir Zambrano Diaz, 50, worked at Pindar Vineyards for 23 years before being detained in a Greenport sweep, leaving his family without its breadwinner. Community groups launched fundraising to support them.Greenport, NY · Feb 4, 2026 · Patch, Shelter Island Reporter, Suffolk Times +1
Ariana V.: 14-year-old held about 45 days at Dilley reports severe depressionAriana Velasquez, 14, a Honduran freshman at Hicksville High School, has been detained at Dilley for about 45 days, separated from the younger siblings she used to care for. She reports depression and long waits for medical care.Hicksville, NY · Jan 2026 · Truthout, CNN, The Atlantic +3
Nursing mothers separated from infants as ICE detains 57 at Cato factoryFifty-seven workers were detained in a September 4, 2025 raid on a family-owned nutrition bar factory in Cato, New York, separating nursing mothers from infants and leaving children to return to empty homes.Cato, NY · Sep 5, 2025 · Associated Press, EIN Presswire, CNY Central +3
Eddie: Father of two with work permit deported to Guatemala within 72 hoursEddie, a factory worker with a work permit who had lived in the U.S. for twenty years, was deported to Guatemala within 72 hours of his arrest. His wife now cares for their two sons alone while working overtime.Cato, NY · Sep 4, 2025 · New York Civil Liberties Union, Bloomberg Law News- Luis: Father of three arrested by ICE at New York immigration courtLuis, an Ecuadorian migrant and sole provider for his family, was arrested after an immigration court hearing in New York as his daughters clung to him. A photo of the moment was later named World Press Photo of the Year.New York, NY · Aug 26, 2025 · USA Today, CNN, MSNBC +3
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Elisthene P.K.: Haitian father seeking asylum arrested in Ohio traffic stop, held by ICEElisthene Petit Kat, 38, a Haitian factory worker and sole provider for his family in Springfield, was arrested during a traffic stop in August. A judge ordered ICE to release him or hold a bond hearing within a week.North Hampton, OH · Sep 30, 2026 · Springfield News-Sun, Dayton Daily News
Ingrid M.: Guatemalan mother detained by ICE, toddler placed in foster careIngrid Mejia, a 25-year-old Guatemalan farmworker, was jailed for driving without a license and then held over four months in ICE detention, while her 3-year-old U.S. citizen son was placed in foster care.Greenville, OH · Feb 25, 2025 · theyoungcenter.org, Reuters, The Straits Times +1
Oklahoma
Zong Y.: South St. Paul father of five deported to Laos after ICE check-inZong Yang, a longtime South St. Paul resident, was detained at a routine check-in and deported to Laos, a country he'd never lived in. His wife now raises their five sons, ages 3 to 17, alone.Broken Arrow, OK · May 8, 2026 · Wisconsin Watch, MinnPost, Hmong Times +3
Ruperto: Mexican father deported after traffic stop, leaving U.S. citizen children behindRuperto, a roofing contractor in Oklahoma for 28 years, was deported after a traffic stop, leaving his daughter in college and his son to support the family.Oklahoma City, OK · Sep 12, 2025 · The Oklahoman, News Block, Oklahoma Watch +1
Oregon
Juan Miguel A.: Newberg father and autism caregiver detained by ICE, sent to LouisianaJuan Miguel Aldape, a Newberg, Oregon resident of 22 years and caregiver for his autistic son, was detained outside a Lowe's and sent to a Louisiana facility; his family could not reach him for over a week.McMinnville, OR · Aug 24, 2026 · The Oregonian, Chron, Portland Tribune +6
Maria L.M.: Oregon mother caring for stroke survivor husband held four months by ICEMaria Trinidad Loya Medina, an Albany, Oregon resident of 20 years and caregiver to her stroke-surviving husband, was detained while shopping and held four months. A judge ordered her released in May, citing harm to her family.Albany, OR · May 8, 2026 · KVAL, KLCC, KGW +14
Jackie M.: Portland mother detained by CBP, separated from four U.S. citizen childrenJackie Merlos, a Honduran mother and longtime Portland business owner, was detained by CBP during a family picnic, separating her from her four U.S. citizen children. She remains held in Tacoma.Portland, OR · Jul 10, 2025 · Seattle Times, Rolling Stone, Bellingham Herald +3
Pennsylvania
Katherine S.B.: Pittsburgh mother seeking asylum held by ICE far from 12-year-old sonKatherine "Kathi" Sanchez-Bonilla, a Pittsburgh mother seeking asylum after leaving Costa Rica, was arrested and moved between detention facilities, landing in El Paso. Her 12-year-old son stays with family as she awaits a September 3 hearing.Pittsburgh, PA · Aug 26, 2026 · CBS News, Vives Fútbol
Luis L.M.: Carnegie father with work permit detained by ICE, separated from infant sonLuis Gilberto Loja Mayancela, 24, an Ecuadorian immigrant living in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, was detained despite valid work authorization, separating him from his wife and 3-month-old son. A judge ordered him a bond hearing.Carnegie, PA · Apr 28, 2026 · WPXI, TribLive, TribLive +2
Bruno G.S.: Brazilian asylum seeker detained by ICE reunites with daughter undergoing cancer treatmentBruno Guedes da Silva, detained in Sewickley, Pennsylvania despite valid work authorization, missed the start of his 6-year-old daughter's chemotherapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma before a judge granted him bond in April.Sewickley, PA · Apr 16, 2026 · CBS News, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, WTAE +5
Johny M.A.: Father of boy with brain cancer deported to Bolivia after 5 monthsJohny Merida Aguilara accepted deportation to Bolivia after nearly five months detained, as his wife and three U.S. citizen children prepare to join him while caring for their 5-year-old son with brain cancer and autism.Philadelphia, PA · Jan 23, 2026 · Philadelphia Inquirer, Media News Source, World Journal
Puerto Rico
Juan Francisco A.M.: Father of two U.S. citizens held by ICE in Puerto RicoJuan Francisco Areche Minaya, 49, a Dominican father of two living in Puerto Rico 28 years, was denied bond despite a judge's order; his habeas case was later dismissed without prejudice.“My dad has been present throughout my entire life. His family, his children, his mother, and his life are all here. Keeping him detained based on the claim that he might flee—when everything he has built over so many years is in Puerto Rico—is completely incomprehensible and untrue. What we want is for him to return to us and be able to defend himself while free,” — Darjeerling ArecheSan Juan, PR · Sep 1, 2026 · CourtListener, ACLU of Puerto Rico, Agenda 56 +1
Inocencia R.: Dominican mother of eight-year-old detained by ICE agents at checkpointInocencia Rodríguez, a 32-year-old Dominican housekeeper and mother pursuing a six-year path to legal status, was freed on a $5,000 bond advocates called excessive after her checkpoint detention.“I feel it’s unfair because I’m doing things right and they know it; I have complied with every order they gave me. It was very unfair of them to put someone through such a sad moment, because no one expects to be locked up the way I was, handcuffed, as if they were a criminal.” — Inocencia RodríguezGuaynabo, PR · Jul 10, 2026 · El País, Noticel, San Juan Daily Star +2- Marcelo J.: Father of U.S. citizen daughter with serious medical condition held by ICEA Dominican father of a one-year-old U.S. citizen daughter with a serious medical condition was stopped by ICE vans on his way to work and remains detained after a court denied his release request.San Juan, PR · May 27, 2026 · CourtListener
- León C.S.: Dominican man detained in Puerto Rico, sole caregiver for U.S. citizen familyA Dominican man who has lived in Puerto Rico since 2004 and is the sole caregiver for his U.S. citizen wife and daughter was detained near his business. A court blocked his transfer and ordered a bond hearing.San Juan, PR · Apr 24, 2026 · CourtListener
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Tennessee
Kristopher R.B. and Gladys B.M.: High school soccer captain and his mother detained by ICE, separatedKristopher Rivas-Betanco, a Tennessee high school senior and soccer captain, was detained with his mother during a traffic stop and later released after ICE found he was still a minor. His mother remains held in Alabama.Sevierville, TN · Sep 24, 2026 · The Mountain Press, Telemundo
Memphis mother deported after ICE nightclub raid, four U.S.-citizen children left behindA mother working at a Memphis nightclub was deported to Honduras within days of a raid, leaving her four U.S.-citizen children with their grandmother; the youngest cries for her nightly.Memphis, TN · Sep 15, 2026 · WKNO FM, MLK50, Gambling News +11
Maria P.: Diabetic nursing mother detained by ICE, separated from toddler with Down syndromeMaria Perez, a Guatemalan asylum-seeker and mother nursing an infant and caring for a toddler with Down syndrome, was detained far from home for nearly three months before being released and reunited with her children.Nashville, TN · Aug 14, 2026 · WKRN, WSMV, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights +10
Misslenys H.Z.: Nursing mother still detained by ICE in Nashville weeks after arrestMisslenys Hernandez Zabala, a Venezuelan asylum seeker and mother of a 10-month-old and a 12-year-old, remains detained in Nashville weeks after ICE refused advocates' request to release her as a breastfeeding mother.Nashville, TN · Mar 20, 2026 · NewsChannel 5, Standing Record, People's World +1
Maria P.: Nursing mother held three months by ICE, breastfeeding endedMaria Perez (a pseudonym), a Guatemalan mother who was breastfeeding and caring for a daughter with Down syndrome, was detained in Nashville for nearly three months, ending her ability to nurse before she was reunited with her children in August.Nashville, TN · May 19, 2025 · FOX 17, Sanctuary of the South, Tennessee Lookout +1
Texas
Mother detained by ICE, leaving two young daughters alone in ConroeSisters Alicia and Britany, 10 and 11, have been living alone in their Conroe apartment since their mother was detained by ICE, with only a relative checking in. LULAC has filed to challenge her detention.Conroe, TX · Oct 21, 2026 · Click2Houston, KHOU, tinmoius.comPatricia: Austin mother detained by ICE near son's school bus stopA mother identified as Patricia was detained by ICE near her son's school bus stop in North Austin, crying and worried no one could pick up her children. She was released about 10 minutes later.Austin, TX · Oct 15, 2026 · Univision, Austin American-Statesman, KXAN +4
Samuel N.: Texas pastor deported to Ghana, a country he has never visitedSamuel Nnamdi, a 45-year-old pastor and father of five who worked legally at UPS for five years, was deported to Ghana, a country he had never visited, separating him from his wife and children.Mesquite, TX · Oct 6, 2026 · MS Now, Europe News
Andrés and Luis: 11-year-old boy separated from father by ICE, placed in foster careAndrés, an 11-year-old Venezuelan boy who likes to draw and paint, was separated from his father Luis during a masked ICE arrest outside their El Paso home and sent to foster care as an 'unaccompanied' minor.“Since he was little he’s been with me,” — LuisEl Paso, TX · Oct 5, 2026 · Mother Jones- Magdalena C.: Mother arrested by Border Patrol in Texas, children taken by abusive exMagdalena Callejas, who had full custody of her young children, was arrested at a Texas checkpoint and left the country, after which her abusive ex-partner took the kids; a judge has now ordered them returned to her.Texas · Sep 28, 2026 · The Atlantic
Patricia V.: Venezuelan engineer and new mother detained by ICE at asylum appointmentPatricia Valdez, 37, a Venezuelan engineer and mother of a three-month-old, was detained at a routine asylum check-in and sent to an Oklahoma detention facility.Dallas, TX · Sep 26, 2026 · El Pitazo, Enfoque Noticioso, Diario Pico Bolívar +1
Jessica T.: DACA recipient deported to Mexico, separated from three U.S. citizen childrenJessica Trevino, a DACA recipient and elementary school cafeteria worker, was deported to Mexico in March 2026, separating her from her three U.S. citizen children in Texas.Alamo, TX · Sep 26, 2026 · The Straits Times, FWD.us, Criminal Justice Journal +6
María C.: Houston mother deported, 15-year-old son washes windshields to pay for foodPedro Herrera, 15, and his 10-year-old sister began cleaning car windshields to pay for hotels and food after their mother's deportation left their blind father unable to support the family. A GoFundMe has raised over $125,000.“A nosotros estaba lavando ventanas para pagar una noche de hotel y conseguir un poco de comida” — PedroHouston, TX · Sep 24, 2026 · Telemundo Houston, Telemundo, The Nerd Stash
Father seeking asylum detained by ICE in Katy, Texas, leaving three childrenA father seeking asylum with his wife and three young children, ages 2, 8 and 10, was detained, leaving his wife struggling alone to pay rent and buy food.Katy, TX · Sep 22, 2026 · Houston Chronicle
Father with work permit detained by ICE amid pending asylum caseA father with a pending asylum case and valid work permit remains detained, leaving his family struggling financially while his son raises funds for a lawyer and bond.San Antonio, TX · Sep 21, 2026 · VPM, Hawaii Public Radio, Mirror
Arelys B.M.: Army veteran's wife detained at routine ICE check-in, faces deportationArelys Barahona-Martinez, 40, married to a retired Army staff sergeant, was detained at a routine Dallas check-in and faces deportation despite years of compliance. She was later granted bond but remains jailed pending payment.Dallas, TX · Sep 15, 2026 · CBS News, BBC, Readers ID +4
Mother, children 8 and 11 detained by ICE at Texas bus stopVenezuelan asylum-seeker Maria Betania Uzcategui Castillo and her two children, ages 11 and 8, were detained at a Texas school bus stop and held 17 days before a judge ordered them freed.Alamo Heights, TX · Aug 27, 2026 · WFAA, KENS 5, San Antonio Express-News +8
Patricia: Honduran mother held nearly six weeks by ICE, separated from breastfeeding babyPatricia, a 19-year-old Honduran mother, was separated from her breastfeeding 8-month-old for nearly six weeks after calling 911 to report abuse. A judge ordered her released and the pair reunited.Austin, TX · Aug 25, 2026 · KUT, News Beep
Cristy V.T.: Army sergeant's wife deported to Honduras by ICE, leaving U.S. citizen daughterCristy Maryori Villafranca Trejo, 29, wife of an active-duty Army sergeant and primary caregiver to their 6-year-old daughter, was deported to Honduras despite a pending military parole case and congressional inquiry.“How can I even focus on my military career because I have to worry about how my wife is doing?” — Army Sgt. Hedar Leonel Turcios JuarezFort Bliss, TX · Aug 24, 2026 · Military Times, The Banner, Woke Spy +10
U.S. citizen teen raises younger sister alone after parents deported to HondurasDaysi Munoz and her husband were deported to Honduras after an August 2025 shoplifting arrest, leaving daughters Dulce, 19, and Maria, 13, alone; Maria has since reunited with them while Dulce stays in Texas.Burleson, TX · Aug 17, 2026 · NBC DFW, The Fort Worth, News Hunter +2
Juan Francisco M.T.: Restaurant remodeler detained by ICE after calling 911 about Home Depot shootingJuan Francisco Monroy Turuy, 54, a longtime Houston restaurant remodeler who called 911 to report a shooting, was detained by ICE at the scene and has been held over three weeks since.Houston, TX · Aug 14, 2026 · Houston Public Media, Click2Houston, TPR +1
Rosendo L.: Wise County father with work permit detained by ICE at traffic stopRosendo Lira, 59, a Wise County business owner and father of five, was detained minutes from home despite holding a valid work permit, while preparing for daughter Bella's quinceañera.Decatur, TX · Jul 17, 2026 · FOX 4 News, Washington County Messenger- Miguel Angel G.A.: Father of U.S. citizens held by ICE without a bond hearingMiguel Angel Gomez Alvarado, who had lived in the U.S. 14-15 years and was raising American citizen children, was freed after a judge ruled holding him without a bond hearing violated his rights, a decision an appeals court upheld.Taylor, TX · Jul 2, 2026 · Houston Public Media, Texas Tribune
Harlingen construction worker's wife detained on way to restaurant job, faces deportationThe wife of Joaquin, a Rio Grande Valley construction framer, was detained on her way to a restaurant job and now faces deportation to Mexico, leaving their three U.S.-born children's care uncertain.Harlingen, TX · Jun 10, 2026 · The Guardian- Glenda G.G.: Nursing mother held by ICE away from U.S. citizen infantA Honduran mother held since March after seeking shelter from an abusive partner was separated from her five-week-old breastfeeding daughter. A judge ordered her released, citing ICE's failure to follow its own postpartum detention rules.Laredo, TX · Jun 5, 2026 · CourtListener
ZOR: Father separated from young children held over 8 months at Fort BlissA father known as ZOR (a pseudonym) has been held over eight months at Fort Bliss's Camp East Montana, separated from his young children, and is a named plaintiff suing over detention conditions he calls lawless.El Paso, TX · May 31, 2026 · Reuters, ACLU, Star Advertiser +2
Jose D.S.: Grandfather raising Uvalde survivor deported by ICE, returns after four monthsJose Danilo Diaz Sandoval, who had lived in the U.S. nearly 20 years and raised his granddaughter, an Uvalde shooting survivor, was deported in January 2026 and returned home after four months in Honduras.Uvalde, TX · May 23, 2026 · Telemundo
Yenniffer E.: DACA recipient mother of two held nearly three months by ICEYenniffer England, 32, a nurse's assistant and mother of two with DACA status, was detained after a traffic stop and held nearly three months. A federal judge ordered her released with an ankle monitor on May 21, 2026.“Yo les diría al ICE que piensen en las familias, y que se haga justicia, que frenen esta persecución injusta. Que piensen en los menores, en sus hijas y que dejen de traumatizar a familias. Mi hermana ha estado trabajando y contribuyendo con el país” — her brother, Francisco (Fernando) EnglandRio Grande Valley, TX · May 21, 2026 · Univision, CBS 42, KRGV +6
Haitian asylum seeker held 1,500 miles from infant, barred from sending breastmilkLT, a Haitian asylum seeker who fled persecution and rape, was held in Texas while her breastfeeding 13-month-old daughter stayed in Florida with LT's mother. Her asylum case was denied after three months in detention.Dilley, TX · May 15, 2026 · The Guardian
Gerardo G.R.: Father of U.S. citizens, caretaker of disabled wife, ordered deported to MexicoGerardo Gonzalez Reyes, 44, was detained after a false-report traffic stop. Despite advocacy from his disabled wife and U.S. citizen children, a judge ordered his deportation to Mexico.San Marcos, TX · May 15, 2026 · CBS Austin, CBS Austin, KXAN +1
Wilfredo H.G. and Nexoli G.B.: 10-year-old Venezuelan boy faces deportation alone after mother detained by ICEWilfredo Hoyos-Gomez, a 10-year-old Venezuelan boy, appeared alone in Houston immigration court facing deportation to Ecuador, a country he has never visited, after his mother was detained following a traffic stop.Houston, TX · May 1, 2026 · News 4 San Antonio, Newsweek, CBS 19 +3
William A.: San Antonio father deported by ICE without emergency surgery for knee tumorWilliam Alexander Alfaro, a Honduran father with an active asylum case, was detained while driving his three children to school and later deported without surgery for a knee tumor, risking amputation.San Antonio, TX · Apr 23, 2026 · Habeas Dockets
Mother says ICE put her in solitary for crying over son's deathMaría de la Luz Loredo was detained in Raymondville, Texas, when she learned her 17-year-old son had died, and says she was put in solitary confinement for crying. She was separated from her four children, including a breastfeeding 1-year-old.Houston, TX · Apr 22, 2026 · Telemundo
Pedro S.: Father of four with two-month-old baby arrested by ICE in Austin, TexasPedro Mariano Salgado, a 36-year-old Nicaraguan father of four and the family's breadwinner, was arrested leaving for work weeks after his newborn's birth. His wife is seeking legal help and support for their children while he is held in Pearsall.Austin, TX · Apr 17, 2026 · Univision, CBS Austin, Austin American-Statesman
Octavio C.V.: San Antonio father with work permit held by ICE, family forced outOctavio Daniel Cabrera Valdez, 36, a father of two who fled cartel violence and held a work permit, was detained at his job site and is held at Karnes City, where he reports untreated illness and scarce food.San Antonio, TX · Apr 17, 2026 · KVUE, KSAT, Texas Tribune +1
15-year-old held four months after San Antonio ICE raid, father detainedA 15-year-old detained in a November ICE raid at a San Antonio club remains held four months later, even after release paperwork was completed, after his father was separately detained.San Antonio, TX · Mar 31, 2026 · FOX San Antonio, News 4 San Antonio, Spot On Texas
Luis: Handyman and father of five held by ICE over three monthsLuis, a 53-year-old handyman, was freed on bond after over three months at a Conroe-area detention center. He has lived in the U.S. 25 years, raising five children as a homeowner.Houston, TX · Feb 5, 2026 · Houston Chronicle, Houston Chronicle
Carmen H.: Mother of six detained by ICE at San Antonio courthouseCarmen Herrera, a mother of six U.S. citizen children married to a U.S. citizen, was detained by ICE right after her immigration court hearing and later deported to Mexico.San Antonio, TX · Dec 21, 2025 · TPR, Univision
José Antonio G.: Cuban man brought at age nine deported to Mexico after 38 yearsJosé Antonio González, 51, arrived at age nine and worked as a painter supporting his family, but was deported after nearly 40 years over childhood offenses. He says he feels more American than Cuban.El Paso, TX · Dec 1, 2025 · CiberCuba, CiberCuba
Detained Haitian asylum seeker barred from sending breastmilk to formula-allergic babyLT, a 30-year-old Haitian asylum seeker who fled political violence, is held 1,500 miles from her 13-month-old daughter, who needs breastmilk; officials denied her requests to pump milk or post bond.Dilley, TX · Oct 2025 · The Guardian
Miguel G.H.: Father shielding detainee dies in Dallas ICE shootingMiguel Ángel García-Hernández, a painter and father of four with a fifth child on the way, died after shielding a fellow detainee during a sniper-style attack on an ICE van outside a Dallas facility.“I am trying to cope because that’s what I am supposed to do, but what hurts me the most is to hear my kids ask where daddy is” — Stephany GauffenyDallas, TX · Sep 30, 2025 · NPR, The Guardian, FOX 4 News +12
Mother of teen beaten by ICE deported days after family spoke outTeresa de Jesus Ochoa Briseño, a cook arrested outside her Alamo restaurant, was deported to Mexico the same day, ten days after her son Luis, 17, said agents broke his wrist.Alamo, TX · Sep 11, 2025 · Newsweek, International Business Times, CRBC News +2- Maria: Mother of four U.S.-born children held through holidays in El PasoMaria, 39, who fled violence in Ciudad Juárez, was handcuffed outside court after a deportation order and held through the holidays before her January 20 release with an ankle monitor.El Paso, TX · Sep 9, 2025 · El Paso Matters, EXA
Jose P.G.: Father of seven U.S. citizen children with pregnant wife detained by ICEJose Pescador Garcia, father and stepfather of seven U.S.-citizen children with a high-risk pregnant wife, was freed by a federal judge in January after months in detention.Spring, TX · Sep 9, 2025 · PACER Monitor, EXA
Margarita A.: Houston mother detained by ICE faces deportation to Belize, separated from childrenMargarita Avila, a 50-year-old Houston mother of two young sons, has been held since March 2025 as officials seek to deport her to Belize, the country she fled two decades ago.“The medical treatment was so bad that there were two days when I couldn’t even get out of bed.” — MargaritaHouston, TX · Sep 8, 2025 · Click2Houston, Texas Tribune, Ms. Magazine- Kenia P.: Mother of three deported to Honduras by ICE, U.S. citizen children followKenia Perez, who lived and worked in Texas for 10 years, was deported to Honduras, leaving her three children behind. Her son Isaac, 14, later traveled alone to rejoin her after getting a passport.Texas · Jul 2025 · CNN, Legit
Shirly G.: Army sergeant's wife deported by ICE, separated from 1-year-old sonShirly Guardado, married to an Army sergeant and mother of a 1-year-old, was detained nearly three months and deported to Honduras on her 28th birthday despite her husband's approved sponsorship petition.Houston, TX · Mar 13, 2025 · Texas Tribune, The War Horse, Cuba Headlines +2
Julio O. and Lucero G.: Texas siblings take on parental roles after immigration raid separates familyAfter agents arrested their parents, Julio Orosco and Lucero Garza, in a January raid in Donna, Texas, their six children took on caretaking and work duties, with 22-year-old Andrea becoming head of household.Donna, TX · Jan 1, 2025 · New York Times, Noticias de Delicias, Seattle Times
Vermont
Angel T. and Alex T.: Two roofers arrested in ICE raid at Cornwall, Vermont farmhouseAngel Tixe, an Ecuadorian roofer, was released after 15 days in detention following an ICE raid at a Vermont farmhouse job site; his brother-in-law Alex, father of an 18-month-old, remains held.“They just creep in like sharks. They want the public to think that everything is normal.” — Mary RichardsCornwall, VT · Oct 1, 2026 · Valley News, Seven Days, Addison Independent +2
Davona W.: Manchester mother of three held a month in ICE detentionDavona Williams, a Manchester health aide and mother of three from Jamaica, was detained in August and held a month in Michigan. A judge granted her bond on September 30.Manchester, VT · Sep 30, 2025 · Manchester Journal, Reformer, VT Digger +2
Virginia
Arlington father detained by ICE as son's health failsAn Arlington man's family is demanding his release from ICE detention, citing his son's worsening health condition.Arlington, VA · Dec 19, 2025 · MSN, Fort Worth Report, Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Flora: Venezuelan asylum seeker held by ICE two months, apart from young childrenFlora, a Venezuelan trafficking survivor with an active asylum claim, was detained at a check-in and sent 1,200 miles to Louisiana, separated from her two young children for two months.DMV, VA · Jan 30, 2025 · The Cut, The Guardian
Washington
Carlos M.: Legally blind, hard-of-hearing asylum seeker detained by ICE misses son's birthCarlos Moreno, a legally blind, hard-of-hearing asylum seeker and father of five, was detained after a noise fine and held nearly six months without proper hearing aids or a working cane, missing his son's birth.Seattle, WA · Oct 2026 · Spotlight PA, CNN, Chicago Sun-Times +2
Father detained by ICE on way to work, leaving pregnant partnerA father was detained by ICE on his way to work, leaving his pregnant partner to care for their children, including a toddler. A fellow school parent organized a fundraiser to cover rent and other costs.Seattle, WA · Sep 27, 2026 · KUOW, Shoreline Area News
Luis R.: Wapato father, sole provider for five U.S. citizen children, held by ICEJoseluis Ramirez, who worked 15 years at a Yakima Valley fruit company, was detained while driving to work, leaving his wife and her five children without a provider.Wapato, WA · Aug 31, 2026 · Yakima Herald, Spot on Washington, Wenatchee World +2
Jorge: Father of five detained by ICE, leaving family without sole providerJorge, a husband, father of five, and the family's sole provider, was detained by ICE. A GoFundMe was started to help cover legal fees and living costs.Yakima, WA · Jun 27, 2026 · 285 South, Capital & Main
Kenia M.: Mother of four U.S. citizens held four months by ICEKenia Merlos, a Honduran mother of four U.S. citizen children, was detained at the U.S.-Canada border in June and held nearly four months in Tacoma. A judge ended her deportation case, and she was freed October 28.Tacoma, WA · Nov 3, 2025 · OPB, KGW, Los Angeles Times
Robert S.: Kenyan doctor hospitalized with stroke-like symptoms in ICE custodyRobert Sidhe, a 43-year-old Kenyan physician and primary caretaker for his disabled fiancée, was detained while driving home from the gym and hospitalized with stroke-like symptoms. A federal judge ordered his release.Lynnwood, WA · Aug 26, 2025 · Seattle Times, Spokesman-Review
Wisconsin
Location not tied to one state
Eber: Toddler U.S. citizen left in Mexico after parents deported to VenezuelaEber, a two-year-old U.S. citizen, remains in Mexico with caregivers after his parents were deported to Venezuela, recovering from lung surgery while the family awaits his visa.Mexico · Oct 6, 2026 · Diario El Regional del Zulia, Univision
Jorge M.C.: Father with U visa held by ICE three months, loses 15 kgJorge Mata Campos, 51, a Costa Rican construction worker and father raising a 16-year-old U.S. citizen son, has lost nearly 15 kilograms during three months at a Louisiana detention center.“Acá uno es un simple animalito al que ponen en un corralito mientras le sacan el dinero y le violan todos los derechos para después mandarlo a su país, ¿cuándo? Nadie sabe. Cuando a ellos les de la gana, porque las leyes no existen” — Jorge Mata CamposLA · Sep 25, 2026 · La Nación, LinkedIn, Newstral
Five fathers handcuffed by ICE in front of children while campingFive fathers, husbands and uncles from one extended Mexican family were handcuffed before children during a Labor Day camping trip near Granite Falls, Washington. They remain held in Tacoma.WA · Sep 5, 2026 · Substack, Eyes On Ice, Seattle Chinese Radio +4
Maria L. and Abraham D.: 18-year-old raising four siblings after Border Patrol detains parents in FloridaWendy, 18, now cares for her four younger siblings after her parents, a Guatemalan plumber and homemaker of nearly 20 years, were detained driving home from church in Florida.“I never thought both my parents would get taken away at the same time, leaving me in charge of my four siblings. Leaving us all alone.” — Wendy DomingoFL · Aug 14, 2026 · Florida Today, Telemundo, WLRN
Salvador A.V.: Father of daughter with life-threatening condition detained at Tennessee ICE check-inSalvador Alvarenga Valle, a father who cares for a daughter with a life-threatening illness, was arrested at a routine check-in after 21 years in Tennessee; a judge later granted him $1,500 bond.TN · Aug 5, 2026 · MidPage, Law & Crime, Georgia Public Broadcasting
Yadi: Cuban mother deported to Mexico, separated from three children in HoustonYadi, a Cuban mother, was deported and said a tearful goodbye to her three children at the Cancún airport after a two-month visit, as they returned to Houston without her.“Nobody is prepared for this moment... After two months, I say goodbye to my children. No family should have to experience a separation like this.” — YadiCancún, Mexico · Jun 5, 2026 · Cuba Headlines, CiberCuba
Orlin and Wendy H.R.: U.S. citizen toddler killed by caregiver after ICE deported his motherWendy Hernandez Reyes, a domestic violence survivor, was deported to Honduras after ICE denied her requests to take her toddler son Orlin with her. Left with a relative, Orlin was later killed.FL · May 16, 2026 · WKRG, Rolling Out, Pensacola News Journal +10
Ana D.: Breastfeeding mother of two deported after ICE agent posed as case managerAna Delgado, a Venezuelan mother of two in San Antonio, was lured outside and detained while holding her young son. She developed mastitis in detention after being denied a breast pump, then was deported, separating her from her kids.TX · May 8, 2026 · Univision, Register-Guard, MSN +3
Herminia: Mother held for eight months as children's mental health deterioratesHerminia was held for eight months, separated from her 9- and 16-year-old children. Her daughter struggled sleeping, and her son considered dropping out to support his sister.May 8, 2026 · The Guardian
Mother of three arrested at ICE check-in while 19-month-old waited at homeKO, a 41-year-old Guatemalan mother of three, was arrested at a routine ICE check-in. When she mentioned her 19-month-old waiting at home, the officer said he didn't care if they died.May 8, 2026 · The Guardian
Iris M.L.: Mother of three miscarries in ICE custody, denied care, deported to GuatemalaIris Dayana Monterroso-Lemus lost her pregnancy mid-term while held at a Louisiana ICE facility and was deported to Guatemala in May 2025. She now lives without running water, separated from her partner and three children in Tennessee.TX · May 7, 2026 · Yahoo News, Nashville Banner
Laura R.: Mother of 10-year-old killed in hit-and-run detained by ICE at appointmentLaura Ramírez, whose 10-year-old daughter Emily died in a hit-and-run, was detained at a routine immigration appointment despite qualifying for a crime-victim visa, separating her from her remaining child.Apr 18, 2026 · Newsweek
Miguel R.R.: Michigan business owner and father of four held a month by ICEMiguel Rosas Ruiz, a Mexican-born business owner and father of four from Ypsilanti, was detained while driving to work and held for a month. He was released in April 2026 and reunited with his family.MI · Apr 8, 2026 · WEMU, Michigan Daily, Action Network +1- Father of two disabled children deported to Mexico after ICE traffic stopA father of two disabled children was deported to Mexico after being pulled over while driving to his drywall installation job, leaving his family without his daily care.Apr 7, 2026 · Daily Mail, The Arizona Republic, ABC News
- Flora: Venezuelan asylum seeker detained at ICE check-in, separated from two young childrenA Venezuelan trafficking survivor known as 'Flora' (a pseudonym) was arrested at a routine ICE check-in despite pending asylum and trafficking visa applications. She remains held in Louisiana, separated from her two young children, now cared for by church volunteers.MD · Feb 1, 2026 · International Business Times, Latin Times
Augusta C.: Mother of 3-month-old arrested by ICE, teen sister pinned to groundAugusta Clara was arrested in Worcester after ICE stopped her car carrying her sister and infant son. Agents pinned her sister to the ground; neighbors stopped them from taking the baby.Jan 23, 2026 · MSN, WPR, The Tennessean +2- Lazaro G.J.: Father of three U.S. citizen children held by ICE without bond hearingA father of three U.S. citizen children who has lived in the country over thirty years was detained in January 2026. A judge ordered a bond hearing within seven days or his release.Jan 19, 2026 · CourtListener
- Delsy F.M.: Honduran mother of two U.S. citizen children detained again after 11 yearsA Honduran mother of two U.S. citizen children, ages 5 and 9, was re-detained without a warrant after 11 years in St. Paul as their primary caregiver. A court ordered her immediate release.Jan 7, 2026 · CourtListener
Humberto M.: Father deported to Mexico by ICE while daughter serves overseas in NavyHumberto Martinez was deported to Mexico while his daughter Jessica, a U.S. Navy sailor, was deployed overseas and learned of it from abroad, leaving her sister to manage the household alone.Dec 2025 · Tuko.co.ke, Newsweek- Single father of six U.S. citizen children deported by ICEA single father of six U.S. citizen children was deported despite applying for a special visa and efforts to keep him with his family.Sep 15, 2025 · Spokesman-Review, MSN
Maribel L.: Mother with pending asylum appeal deported to Guatemala, 2-year-old left behindMaribel Lopez, a Guatemalan mother of three, was deported four days after agents raided the factory where she worked, despite a pending asylum appeal. Her 2-year-old son stayed behind with his older siblings.Sep 2025 · New York Times, The Independent
Armelle B.B.: U.S. citizen's wife and mother detained by ICE at green card interviewArmelle Bondonga Bradshaw, who came from Congo at age 9, was detained during her final green card interview, separated from her husband and 19-month-old son. She remains held in an Indiana jail.IN · Aug 12, 2025 · The Alpena News, Creators, Eyes On Ice +2
Jose Guadalupe J.: Michigan father with work permit arrested by ICE outside son's schoolJose Guadalupe Jaimes, a 55-year-old painting business owner and father of five who lived in the U.S. for 30 years, was arrested outside his son's school after dropping him off. He is now held at St. Clair County Jail.Mar 7, 2025 · Newsweek, Detroit Free Press, WXYZ +2