UPDATE: A Queens father, Manuel Mejia Hernandez, has been released from ICE detention just in time to celebrate his daughter Mia’s first birthday and Christmas. After being separated from his family since October 22, Hernandez’s emotional reunion is a testament to the struggles faced by families caught in the immigration system.
On the night of December 5, Alexandra Alvarez anxiously awaited her husband at LaGuardia Airport. Holding Mia tightly, she scanned the crowd for any sign of Hernandez, who had been detained during a routine immigration check and sent to an Arizona facility. The moment he appeared on the escalator was filled with hope and anticipation; a bittersweet reunion that felt almost miraculous.
Despite the chaos of the airport, the couple’s first embrace was filled with tears and joy. “I feel a weight has been lifted. It’s like I am not carrying a burden anymore,” Alvarez exclaimed, expressing her gratitude for their reunion. However, the reality of Hernandez’s situation loomed large as he wore a GPS ankle monitor, a constant reminder of the challenges that still lie ahead.
Hernandez’s journey through the immigration system was harrowing. He recounted being shackled and mistreated during transfers, starving in a detention center where he was only allowed a minimal diet. “They put us in shackles… my ankles hurt. They even kicked me,” he stated, highlighting the inhumane conditions faced by many immigrants.
Their struggles began in Ecuador, where the couple fled after Hernandez attempted to protect young people from the perils of drug dealing. Alvarez explained, “You have to keep quiet because it’s worse to say that you know who they are because that costs your life.” Their quest for safety took a toll, but they persevered, driven by the hope of family reunification.
Now, just a day after his release, the family prepared for a joyful celebration. On December 6, the couple decorated their home and baked a bright pink birthday cake for Mia, surrounded by family and friends. The dark cloud that had loomed over them during Hernandez’s detention was lifted, replaced by laughter and love.
As the family celebrated, they expressed gratitude to those who supported them, including Congressman Dan Goldman’s office and Father Fabian Arias of Saint Peter’s Church. “Every night I prayed for release,” Hernandez shared, reflecting on his hope to be with his daughter for her special day.
Despite the joy of their reunion, the family remains acutely aware of their uncertain future. As they blew out the birthday candles, they made a collective wish for stability and safety. “To continue. To live peacefully,” Hernandez said, envisioning a future where they can thrive together as a family.
This heartwarming story of resilience and love serves as a reminder of the urgent need for humane immigration policies. As families like Hernandez’s celebrate their reunions, the challenges posed by the immigration system continue to impact lives across the nation.
Stay tuned for updates on their journey as they navigate the complexities of their new reality.
