The Babies Left Behind in America
The United States is deporting parents without their children, creating a whole new family-separation crisis.
Estela Garcia, a 50-year-old American citizen, has been caring for 2-year-old Eber since his parents were deported to Venezuela by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Estela and her husband, Miguel, moved to Mobile, Alabama 20 years ago seeking a safe and slower-paced life. Miguel is a remodeling contractor who spent years building a four-acre property, complete with a wood shop, chicken coop, houses for their children, peacocks as pets, and an American flag flying from an antique tractor.
The Garcia family's home had become a day care-like environment after their deportation. Marlyn Garcia, Eber's mother, was arrested last November by a police officer without any infraction, and handed over to ICE despite having a work permit and pending asylum application. Eber and his 7-year-old brother, Isaac, found themselves without a home.
Marlyn's family temporarily cared for the boys, but eventually, Estela agreed to take them in and return them to Marlyn, believing she would be safe. However, her decision led to a series of unfortunate events, including being investigated for trafficking, financial strain, and Eber still being in her home a year after Marlyn's deportation.
This situation highlights the new family separation crisis caused by President Trump's aggressive deportation policies, which are affecting families living in the United States.
Written by urgent.news from The Atlantic's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
