A father is devastated after his wife and daughters were detained at a routine immigration appointment in downtown Los Angeles.
The man, who was only identified as Hector out of safety concerns, said he and his family first came to the U.S. from Guatemala seeking asylum while escaping gang violence in their home country.
They began the process of gaining citizenship and said he and his family had followed and cooperated with the country’s immigration process.
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Hecotr’s family had just celebrated the birthday of his youngest daughter before she was detained during a rountine immigration appointment in downtown Los Angeles. -
Hector and his eldest daughter remain in Southern California for now. Hector is working with an immigration attorney to review his options. (KTLA)
“[My wife] said I have to do everything good because I don’t want to have any problems,” Hector told KTLA’s Sandra Mitchell. “She is always trying to be responsible.”
Last week, his wife and children reported to a routine immigration appointment in downtown L.A. However, Hector grew worried when he stopped receiving text messages from his wife.
“We were texting about everything and they said everything is good,” he recalled. “No problem.”
But hours went by, and that night, his wife and kids did not return home.
Eventually, Hector discovered his family had been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the routine appointment. They were later transferred to a facility in San Antonio, Texas.
They now join hundreds of people who are currently detained due to the White House administration’s sweeping immigration enforcement raids.
Hector was able to contact his wife and kids and said he’s doing everything he can to find a solution while staying positive. He and his eldest daughter are still in SoCal, while his wife and two youngest daughters are being held in Texas.
“I didn’t think it would happen to us,” his daughter said. “I told [my mom] that I really missed her and that I just hoped she was okay.”
“It’s been really tough without them,” Hector said. “My little baby, she’s crying because she misses us.”
Hector said he also has a scheduled immigration appointment, but said he is frightened to attend. He is working with an immigration attorney to review his options at this time.
In Los Angeles, demonstrators have taken to the streets this week, protesting the ICE raids and President Donald Trump’s move to mobilize the National Guard and Marines in response.
Local leaders, including Gov. Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, have demanded that the Trump administration stop the immigration raids that have sparked the ongoing protests.
The Trump administration said it would continue the raids and deportations despite the growing demonstrations.
“ICE will continue to enforce the law,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted on X.
