In brief
After her husband was detained by ICE, Janie Pérez made the life-altering decision to move from Missouri to Mexico with their two daughters. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language, she emphasizes the importance of family unity.
Janie Pérez found it odd when she received a call from her husband, Alejandro Pérez, just minutes after he left for work. He was on the phone to tell her that he believed ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents were at their doorstep. In that moment of panic, they both turned to prayer as they heard agents arresting him.
Janie, whose maiden name is Hughes, knew at that moment that her life would change forever, but she couldn’t have imagined that it would lead her to Mexico with their two young daughters, Luna and Lexie.
The couple, married amid the complexities of immigration law, faced the harsh reality of Alejandro's deportation following his detention by ICE. Janie, who does not speak Spanish, acknowledged that adapting to life in an unfamiliar country has been challenging. Yet she maintains that family is her top priority, stating, There is nothing more important than being together.
As deportations have surged during the Trump administration, the experience of families with mixed immigration statuses has grown increasingly fraught. Recent official estimates suggest that around 1.1 million Americans are married to individuals without legal immigration status.
'I had tears of happiness when I saw him again'
Janie recalls the harrowing day in October when her husband was taken from her and their daughters, a moment she describes as heart-wrenching. After approximately five months of confinement, Alejandro was deported to Mexico. A few days later, Janie and their daughters followed him.
Reuniting at the airport in Querétaro was an emotional experience, filled with tears of joy. Alejandro's profound love for his family makes the hardships worth it, even as he navigates the realities of life in a country that feels foreign.
Alejandro, who entered the U.S. at a young age to escape the dangers of recruitment by criminal organizations, had lived around 16 years as an undocumented migrant before his arrest. His story mirrors that of many others who seek refuge and opportunity but find themselves caught in the complexities of immigration law.
Such personal narratives are emblematic of wider social issues, as Janie's reflections on her and Alejandro's journey call into question the moral implications surrounding immigration policies and cultural identity.
Despite the difficulties, such as the stress of starting anew in Mexico, the family remains committed to each other, emphasizing their bond above all else. As Alejandro reflects on his journey from the U.S. back to Mexico, he finds solace in his faith, believing there is a purpose behind their current situation.
