Yenitza Marquina, 28, was devastated to learn that her 50-year-old father, Andres Marquina, was detained by federal immigration agents during a raid in Waukegan, Illinois. The arrest happened on Sunday as part of a nationwide immigration sweep overseen by the Trump administration.
Andres, who immigrated from Mexico years ago, has three adult children who are U.S. citizens. He had a felony conviction for drug possession in 2005, along with other charges for DUI and battery. However, Yenitza says he has turned his life around since then and was working at a warehouse before being detained. “Everyone deserves a second chance,” she said tearfully.
On Sunday morning, ICE agents came to Andres’ home, claiming to be the police. Believing there was an emergency, he opened the door. Yenitza said their family was shattered by his sudden arrest. “My heart is torn in pieces. I just want my dad back,” she said.
Nationwide, ICE reported 956 arrests on Sunday. In Chicago, around 260 people were targeted, but only a few had criminal warrants. Many of those detained were accused of re-entering the U.S. illegally or had minor offenses. Andres was among them.
Tom Homan, the federal “border czar,” claimed the raids were focused on public safety, targeting criminals like sex offenders and gang members. However, advocates argue that the arrests are tearing families apart, especially when individuals have changed their lives for the better.
Fear has spread throughout immigrant communities. Some families are too scared to leave their homes. A Venezuelan mother of five in Chicago said she hasn’t taken her kids to school in weeks, worried about being separated from them.
Local groups are stepping up to provide support, like diapers for families and legal advice. Advocacy organizations are also urging people to know their rights. Yenitza shared a crucial tip: “Don’t open your door unless they have a signed warrant.”
Unfortunately, resources for immigrants have been cut. The Trump administration recently stopped funding legal help desks that provided immigrants with vital support, making it harder for families to navigate their cases.
Yenitza and her family are now searching for legal help to bring Andres home. “We just want him back,” she said.
