Latest news with #U.S.CustomsandImmigrationServices
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Yahoo
El Salvadoran mother reunites with son after ICE arrest despite legal status
The Brief Kevin Zaldaña, an El Salvadoran immigrant with proper documentation, was unexpectedly detained by ICE during an operation in Fresno, Texas, causing distress for his family. After weeks of uncertainty, Zaldaña was reunited with his mother in Houston, where he expressed relief and shared the emotional impact of his detention. U.S. Customs and Immigration Services have approved Zaldaña's application for permanent residency, with his green card expected to arrive soon, while ICE has not commented on the incident. HOUSTON - After weeks of uncertainty, an El Salvadoran mother and her son are back home in Houston following his unexpected detention by ICE during an operation in Fresno, Texas. Despite having proper documentation, Kevin Zaldaña was arrested and detained, leaving his family in distress. What they're saying Kevin Zaldaña expressed relief at being reunited with his mother, Yolanda Santos, after his release. "It took me by surprise because I was certain that I wouldn't be arrested. I have social security, I have all my documentation in order. All of a sudden, they took me and put handcuffs on me," Zaldaña said. The incident occurred while Zaldaña was at work during an ICE operation targeting gang members. Despite presenting his documents, ICE officials claimed they were fake and that he had a deportation order. "The ICE official told me that I didn't show up in the system and that my social security was fake and that I had an order of deportation. I knew that was a lie. So everything took me by surprise," he explained. What we know Zaldaña, 20 years old, entered the U.S. legally through the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJ), known as the "Juvenile Visa," a humanitarian program allowing certain immigrant youths to apply for lawful permanent residency. He was arrested by ICE during an operation, then released on bond. Zaldaña arrived in the U.S. when he was 14 and has been working to provide for his visually impaired mother since he was 16, using a work visa through SIJ classification. However, ICE suspected him of being a gang member and accused him of being in the country illegally. Zaldaña was on lunch break with some of his co-workers on Feb. 25. On their way back to work, a patrol officer trailed behind their car and pulled them over, according to Zaldaña. He was asked if he was a gang member, and if he had any tattoos. He was also asked if he had a criminal record. "I responded no," he said. "My son is not a criminal. He was arrested at work. They didn't arrest him for doing any illicit activity," Santos emphasized. The emotional reunion was captured on camera, marking a moment of joy for both mother and son. "It was a moment of joy. I was so happy to know that my son was coming home after being away. I would often think about his wellbeing. I didn't know if he was sleeping well or if he was eating," Santos said. Since returning home, Zaldaña has been gradually adjusting to normal life. "I'm barely getting some good sleep. I still have nightmares that I'm detained. It's a frustrating feeling, I live in fear," he said. What's next Kevin Zaldaña's fears may soon be alleviated as U.S. Customs and Immigration Services have approved his application for permanent residency, with his green card expected to arrive shortly. ICE did not respond to requests for comment in time for this report. The Source FOX 26's Jonathan Mejia spoke with Kevin Zaldaña and Yolanda Santos.
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Houston family faces separation after ICE arrests Honduran mother despite documentation
The Brief A Honduran mother, Shirly Guardado, was arrested by ICE despite having documentation and being in the process of adjusting her immigration status, leaving her family separated and distressed. Shirly's husband, Asyaac Correa, an active-duty U.S. Army service member, and their immigration attorney are working to secure her release, emphasizing her compliance with legal requirements and her role as a model citizen. The family, including their 10-month-old son, faces uncertainty and emotional hardship, hoping for a positive resolution while preparing for potential deportation outcomes. HOUSTON - A Houston family is grappling with separation after ICE arrested a mother and wife this week, despite her having documentation and being in the process of adjusting her immigration status. Asyaac Correa and his family are facing difficult times as they adjust to their new reality. They hope for the best outcome but are preparing for the worst. The Correa family now relies on video calls to communicate. "Te extranamos mucho no es lo mismo la casa sin ti," Asyaac said during a call with his wife, Shirly Guardado, who was arrested by ICE at her job this week. What we know Shirly entered the U.S. illegally in 2014 at age 16 and was issued an expedited removal order, later released under supervision. She has consistently reported to immigration authorities, graduated from high school, and married Asyaac, an active-duty U.S. Army service member, in 2022. In 2023, U.S. Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) approved Asyaac's petition for Shirly, making her arrest unexpected. What they're saying "It's hard. I don't have her with me. I miss her. It's really hard to be without her," Correa said. "We were just waiting for her parole to be approved," Asyaac said. "We were literally on the last step." Martin Reza, the family's immigration attorney, is working to secure Shirly's release. "She has all her documents in order," Asyaac said. "She's what I would call a model citizen." The couple have a 10-month-old son, making the separation even more difficult. Shirly expressed her distress: "Esto es muy dificil para todos … no todos somos criminals. Yo no hecho nada malo." What's next Asyaac has not considered the possibility of deportation, but Shirly and her attorney have explored all options. "I'm not sure it would be a possibility," Asyaac said when asked about sending their son to Honduras. Reza noted, "She would, of course, have to take her son because Asyaac, as an active-duty military member, can't take care of the baby by himself." "Que por favor que me puedan dejar con mi familia. No me quiero ir," Shirly said, hoping to stay with her family. Shirly, Asyaac, and their family are hoping for the best. Their immigration attorney has reached out directly to ICE Houston, asking for her release. The Source FOX 26's Jonathan Mejia spoke with Asyaac Correa, Shirly Guardado, and their immigration attorney Martin Reza.
Fox News
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
DHS suspends approval of applications with ‘X' gender marker
Employees for the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Immigration Services will no longer be able to process applications that contain an "X' marker for gender. In a letter sent to DHS Field Operations and USCIS employees that was obtained by Fox News Digital advises officials to "not make a final decision on any application that would produce a document with an "X" marker, citing President Donald Trump's January 20 executive order that "prohibits using the 'X' marker on our documentation and in our systems." "This is consistent with President Trump's executive order that the U.S. recognizes two sexes, male and female," DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News Digital. "This is common sense." The letter comes after Trump signed an Executive Order on his first day in office aimed at shifting the language used by the federal government in documentation, including a move to replace the term "gender" with "sex" on official documents. "The erasure of sex in language and policy has a corrosive impact not just on women but on the validity of the entire American system. Basing Federal policy on truth is critical to scientific inquiry, public safety, morale, and trust in government itself," read the order that was signed by Trump. The move also reverses changes made during the Biden administration, including giving Americans who do not identify with either of the two biological sexes the ability to mark documents such as passports with an "x" instead of "male" or "female." But Trump's order calls for all federal government agencies to ensure that all documents "accurately reflect the holder's sex," which the order defines as "an individual's immutable biological classification."
