Janie Pérez’s life took a dramatic turn when her husband, Alejandro, was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Despite being a US citizen, Janie faced the heart-wrenching decision to leave her home in Missouri and move to Mexico with her husband and their two daughters after his deportation. This situation highlights the challenges faced by families with mixed immigration status, especially under President Donald Trump’s intensified deportation policies since his second term began in 2025. Many US citizens are married to undocumented immigrants, but legalizing their status is often complicated. For Janie, the thought of separating her family was unbearable, leading her to start anew in a foreign country. Their shared faith has been a cornerstone of their relationship since they met in 2019, and it continues to support them through these difficult times.
QUESTION: How might increased deportation policies impact the lives of children in mixed-status families?
‘We cried together’: Trump’s deportation drive forces tough decisions for couples
