The headline in the New York Times reads, She Showed Up Yearly to Meet Immigration Agents. Now They’ve Deported Her.
For eight years, Guadalupe García de Rayos had checked in at the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement office here, a requirement since she was caught using a fake Social Security number during a raid in 2008 at a water park where she worked.
Every year since then, she has walked in and out of the meetings after a brief review of her case and some questions.
But not this year.
Despite a night of protests and a legal appeal, this 35-year old mother of two, who has lived, worked, and played by the arbitrary U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) rules — and who hasn’t lived in Mexico since she was 14 — was separated from her husband and children and dropped off in Nogales, Mexico early this morning.
I’m so sad and angry at the mean-spirited and grand-standing senselessness of it all. Right now, all I can do is cry and post this heartbreaking music video, Ice El Hielo by La Santa Cecilia.
Y’all feeling safer up there in el norte?
Like you, I am appalled and heart-broken. I have loved La Santa Cecilia’s song ever since I heard it for the first time last year. It’s so appropriate right now and brings tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing!
One of these days, I’m going to see them in person!
So awful, and uncalled for, and it’s this country’s tremendous loss. Makes me sick!
I’m so ashamed of the US.
Also appalled and heart broken for Guadalupe and all the others affected. So senseless.
Yes, it is cruel and appalling. And, yet, everyone here continues to be so kind and able to separate the US government from her people.
Our country is going to pot…… every day I read stories that sicken me, make me depressed.
Guadalupe’s story is so very sad, and it’s just one story/life among thousands that are being affected everyday!!
Everyday, the stories multiply and more families are torn apart.
Please believe me nobody is more angry and disgusted than the millions of us who did not vote for this dangerous xenophobic and racist President.
Yes, I know… I’m heartened by Facebook comments and posts from old grammar and high school classmates, neighbors and friends from over the years.
Much less safe now, to be honest.