Latest news with #EsvinJuarez
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Florida deportation case highlights challenges for families with U.S.-born children
The Brief A longtime Apopka, Florida family faces painful separation as deportations continue despite their children being U.S. citizens. The father was recently deported, and the mother is jailed awaiting her fate. Community members and officials are rallying for justice and due process in their case. APOPKA, Fla. - A family that has lived in the United States for more than two decades is facing a painful separation as deportations continue. The couple, who have four children — all American citizens — are being torn apart by immigration enforcement actions. What we know A family that has lived in the U.S. for over 20 years is facing separation due to deportation. The father, Esvin Juarez, was deported to Guatemala after a routine ICE check-in where his deferred action status was not honored. His wife, Rosmeri Miranda, is currently being held in Orange County Jail awaiting deportation. Their four children, aged 9 to 17, are U.S. citizens. What we don't know It remains unclear what will happen next in Rosmeri Miranda's case and whether state officials will intervene to prevent her deportation. The family's long-term legal options and potential outcomes for reunification are still uncertain. The backstory The Juarez family came to the U.S. illegally 24 years ago and sought deferred action to avoid deportation. Deferred action is a discretionary policy allowing certain immigrants to temporarily delay removal. Despite this, ICE chose not to honor the father's deferred status, resulting in his deportation. The family and community argue they have contributed positively to their community and do not pose a threat. Local perspective This case highlights ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement, especially for families with U.S.-born children. Local supporters, including elected officials, are rallying for justice and reform, pointing to what they see as failures in the system to protect due process and family unity. What they're saying A community rally in Apopka took place on Friday to support the family and demand justice. "They are not criminals. They are pillars of the community," said daughter Beverly Juarez of her parents. "Do what's right!" Elected officials from the city, county, and state have joined the growing chorus of support. "I hear this rhetoric all the time: 'Do it the right way.' I hate to break it to the American people, but there is no right way in this country that works," said State Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando. Many of the speakers at Friday's rally talked about the justice system, arguing the Juarez family's rights were violated. "We are here today because something deeply important is at stake," said Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, the Hope Community Center Executive Director. "The right to due process." The family's attorney criticized the handling of the case, saying the Juarez family's rights to due process were violated. "I voted for Trump. I voted for the border to be closed. I voted… I voted for the deportation of illegal people who were criminals," attorney Grisel Ybarra said. "Not for this, not for people like this." Beverly Juarez is still hoping someone will intervene and bring her family back together. "The country right now has a chance to right this wrong." STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the family of Esvin Juarez, including daughter Beverly Juarez, Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, the Hope Community Center Executive Directorand, and attorney Grisel Ybarra.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Yahoo
Apopka family faces deportation following ICE arrest
The Brief Small business owner Esvin Juarez has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Texas, while his wife, Rosmeri Miranda, wears an ankle monitor in Florida. Their children, who are United States citizens, face the possibility of their parents being deported to Guatemala, leaving the eldest daughter to care for her siblings. The family is working with attorney Grisel Ybarra to reopen their immigration case and pursue legal action. APOPKA, Fla. - An Apopka family is facing deportation charges after the father of the family was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The couple's children are United States citizens and say they are deeply affected by the situation. What we know Esvin Juarez is currently being held in a detention facility in Texas by ICE. His wife, Rosmeri Miranda, is under surveillance with an ankle monitor in Florida. The couple's children, including 21-year-old Beverly Juarez, are U.S. citizens and say they are deeply affected by the situation. The family has been in the U.S. for more than 20 years, running a successful concrete business. The backstory Juarez and Miranda said they missed an immigration hearing shortly after arriving in the U.S., resulting in a deportation order issued in absentia. Juarez said he was a victim of assault and has been seeking a U-Visa and a work permit, which would allow him to stay in the U.S. while his application is pending. What they're saying FOX 35's Matt Trezza spoke with Beverly Juarez at the family's Apopka home. Beverly Juarez expressed her fears and stress over potentially having to care for her younger siblings alone if her parents are deported. "They complied every single time, and we had hopes that everything was looking good," she said. "You know, all along the process. And so, I had a lot of shock. But now, all I can do is pray." Trezza also spoke with the family's attorney, Grisel Ybarra, by phone. Ybarra highlighted the family's achievements and contrasted them with the challenges they face under current immigration policies. "They broke through ethnic barriers, language barriers, race barriers and became a success," she said. "In Apopka. In the middle of Florida." What's next The family is working with Ybarra to file a lawsuit in federal court to challenge the deportation order and seek relief. ICE has been contacted for further information on the case, and the family awaits their response. Big picture view Florida has recently implemented a series of laws aimed at cracking down on undocumented immigration, including making it a crime to knowingly enter or attempt to enter the state illegally, and increasing penalties for undocumented immigrants who commit crimes. These measures have been met with concern from some, who fear the potential for widespread arrests and due process violations. Why you should care This story underscores the human impact of immigration policies and the challenges faced by families striving for life in the U.S. amidst legal uncertainties. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information gathered by FOX 35's Matt Trezz in interviews with Beverly Juarez and Attorney Grisel Ybarra.