A Texas family of seven is on the brink of homelessness after Jose Luis, a 34-year-old father of five, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while on his way to work. The sudden arrest has left his wife, Rosa, struggling to provide for their children and facing eviction from their home.
The arrest, which took place on January 26, 2025, has sparked concern within the family and the wider immigrant community, as Jose Luis was the household’s sole breadwinner.
How the Arrest Unfolded
Jose Luis, a plumber and handyman who had lived in the U.S. since 2010, was detained when ICE agents approached him at a gas station as he was heading to work. After questioning him about his immigration status, the agents took him into custody. He was transported to a nearby detention facility, leaving his family stunned and devastated.
“He was everything to us,” said Rosa. “I don’t know how we’ll survive without him.”
Family Struggles to Stay Afloat
With Jose Luis behind bars, Rosa is now tasked with caring for their five children, ages 2 to 11, on her own. She has already been forced to sell two of the family’s vehicles and other personal belongings to cover basic expenses. Despite these efforts, the family has fallen behind on rent and is preparing to leave their mobile home and move in with relatives.
Adding to the emotional strain, Rosa said the children are constantly asking, “Where’s Dad?” To protect them, she tells them that their father is away working.
“We can’t explain what’s happening. It’s too much for them to understand,” she said tearfully.
Wider Impact of ICE Operations
Jose Luis’s arrest comes amid a surge in immigration enforcement under renewed directives from President Donald Trump’s administration. Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has reintroduced aggressive deportation policies, leading to a significant increase in ICE raids and arrests nationwide.
Civil rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), have criticized the approach, warning that it tears families apart and sows fear within immigrant communities.
What’s Next for the Family?
Rosa is currently seeking legal representation to fight for Jose Luis’s release, but the process has been complicated by financial constraints and limited access to legal aid. Without intervention, he faces deportation back to Mexico, potentially leaving his family separated indefinitely.
“I just want my husband back,” said Rosa. “We’re not asking for much—just the chance to stay together as a family.”
As the family’s future remains uncertain, their story highlights the harsh realities of intensified immigration enforcement and the devastating impact it can have on families.