Published TUESDAY, December 30, 2025: 'BROKEN FAMILIES' Pictures by 4 time Pulitzer Prize winning ZUMA Press photographer Carol Guzy: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) wait outside New York's immigration court to arrest individuals immediately after their hearings, often as people exit courtrooms turning routine check-ins into 'deportation traps' for migrants seeking asylum. Detentions lead to families being torn apart, causing immense trauma, as parents are suddenly gone, leaving children behind often without explanation or proper care. There is a vast political divide. Some participate in prayer walks and protests, decrying a lack of due process claiming troubling parallel's to fascism and authoritarianism. A woman screamed with indignation, 'We angry. We all angry out here.' Others applaud. Welcome to 'BROKEN FAMILIES'
© zReportage.com Issue #1020 Story of the Week: Published TUESDAY, December 30, 2025: 'BROKEN FAMILIES' Pictures by 4 time Pulitzer Prize winning ZUMA Press photographer Carol Guzy: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE wait outside New York's immigration court to arrest individuals immediately after their hearings, often as people exit courtrooms turning routine check-ins into 'deportation traps' for migrants seeking asylum. Detentions lead to families being torn apart, causing immense trauma, as parents are suddenly gone, leaving children behind often without explanation or proper care. There is a vast political divide. Some participate in prayer walks and protests, decrying a lack of due process claiming troubling parallel's to fascism and authoritarianism. A woman screamed with indignation, 'We angry. We all angry out here.' Others applaud. Welcome to 'BROKEN FAMILIES'
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) wait outside New York's immigration court to arrest individuals after their hearings, turning routine check-ins into 'deportation traps' for migrants seeking asylum. Detentions lead to families being torn apart, causing immense trauma.
© Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE wait outside New York's immigration court to arrest individuals after their hearings, turning routine check-ins into 'deportation traps' for migrants seeking asylum. Detentions lead to families being torn apart, causing immense trauma.
Their journey to this new land included five weeks traversing Mexico by foot and then they were detained at the border.
© Their journey to this new land included five weeks traversing Mexico by foot and then they were detained at the border.
'Take me, not him. They will kill him!'
© Take me, not him. They will kill him!'
'Take me, not him, they will kill him!' screamed MONICA, a distraught woman from Ecuador as she and her children were pulled away from her husband Ruben as he was detained by ICE after his immigration court hearing at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. She continued to plead with an officer and was violently thrown to the floor as her children wept. She was taken to a nearby hospital to be examined for head injury. The ICE officer was relieved of duties pending investigation, and then reinstated.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ROSA, (12) from Ecuador is pulled away from her father Ruben as he was detained by ICE after his immigration court hearing at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. Since then she struggled with traumatic memories and suffering with nightmares. She felt guilty that she couldn't ull her father away from the ICE agents that fateful day. She apologized, 'Mom, forgive me because I couldn't hug my dad well. If I had hugged him well, they wouldn't have taken him.' They are seeking a therapist to help her heal.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
'Take me, not him, they will kill him!' screamed MONICA, a distraught woman from Ecuador as she and her children were pulled away from her husband Ruben as he was detained by ICE after his immigration court hearing at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. She continued to plead with an officer and was violently thrown to the floor as her children wept. She was taken to a nearby hospital to be examined for head injury. The ICE officer was relieved of duties pending investigation, and then reinstated.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
'Take me, not him, they will kill him,' screamed MONICA, a distraught woman from Ecuador as she and her children were pulled away from her husband Ruben as he was detained by ICE after his immigration court hearing at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. She continued to plead with an officer and was violently thrown to the floor as her children wept. She was taken to a nearby hospital to be examined for head injury. The ICE officer was relieved of duties pending investigation, and then reinstated.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
'Take me, not him, they will kill him,' screamed MONICA, a distraught woman from Ecuador as she and her children were pulled away from her husband Ruben as he was detained by ICE after his immigration court hearing at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. She continued to plead with an officer and was violently thrown to the floor as her children wept. She was taken to a nearby hospital to be examined for head injury. The ICE officer was relieved of duties pending investigation, and then reinstated.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
'Take me, not him, they will kill him,' screamed MONICA, a distraught woman from Ecuador as she and her children were pulled away from her husband Ruben as he was detained by ICE after his immigration court hearing at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. She continued to plead with an officer and was violently thrown to the floor as her children wept. She was taken to a nearby hospital to be examined for head injury. The ICE officer was relieved of duties pending investigation, and then reinstated.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Court observer Peter MELCK KUTTEL (L) and Father FABIAN ARIAS (R) from St. Peters Church offered comfort to Monica and her children after her husband Reuben was detained by ICE after his immigration court hearing in New York. Father Fabian took the family to Congressman Dan Goldman's office where he was shown videos of the incident. Monica was later was examined at a hospital for possible head injury from being violently thrown to the floor. The ICE officer was relieved of duties pending investigation, and then reinstated.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Congressman DAN GOLDMAN views disturbing videos of the incident showing Monica violently thrown to the floor by an ICE agent as her husband Ruben was detained by after his immigration court hearing in New York. Father Fabian Arias from St. Peters Church offered comfort and brought her to the office and later a hospital where she was examined for possible head injury. The ICE officer has been relieved of duties pending an investigation.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
'Take me, not him, they will kill him!' screamed MONICA, a distraught woman from Ecuador as she and her children were pulled away from her husband Ruben as he was detained by ICE after his immigration court hearing at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. She continued to plead with an officer and was violently thrown to the floor as her children wept. She was taken to a nearby hospital to be examined for head injury. The ICE officer was relieved of duties pending investigation, and then reinstated.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
REUNION
© REUNION
Their journey to this new land included five weeks traversing Mexico by foot and then they were detained at the border. 'When we were walking across Mexico Christopher said he was going to keep walking until he saw the Stature of Liberty,' said Monica.
© Their journey to this new land included five weeks traversing Mexico by foot and then they were detained at the border. 'When we were walking across Mexico Christopher said he was going to keep walking until he saw the Stature of Liberty,' said Monica.
Father FABIAN ARIAS embraces MONICA and RUBEN from Ecuador who surprisingly had recently been released from ICE detention and the family reunited at St. Peter's Church in New York. Ruben credits the diligence of his lawyers and his wife's relentless efforts for his release. Their journey to this new land included five weeks traversing Mexico by foot and then they were detained at the border.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
MONICA and RUBEN from Ecuador who surprisingly had recently been released from ICE detention and the family reunited attend service at St. Peters Church in New York. Their journey to this new land included five weeks traversing Mexico by foot and then they were detained at the border. 'When we were walking across Mexico Christopher said he was going to keep walking until he saw the Stature of Liberty,' said Monica. It was a dream of Christopher. On their third day in America, there it was, the beacon of huddled masses. 'We had only seen it in the movies' explained Monica. 'We never thought we would be here.' For now, they are reveling in family time, but a constant cloud hangs over their modest apartment in Queens as the future is uncertain. They fear vehicles with tinted windows that park outside their building. Both Reuben and Monica have new hearings looming in the new year. 'Hopefully, God willing, nothing will happen,' she states, holding onto fragile hope.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
People react with joyous surprise as Father FABIAN ARIAS brings MONICA and RUBEN, who had been released from ICE detention and the family reunited to greet them at St. Peters Church in New York. He credits the diligence of his lawyers and his wife's relentless efforts for his release. For now, they are reveling in family time, but a constant cloud hangs over their modest apartment in Queens as the future is uncertain.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
MONICA and RUBEN from Ecuador who surprisingly had recently been released from ICE detention drive from their apartment in Brooklyn to a worship service at St. Peters Church in New York. Their journey to this new land included five weeks traversing Mexico by foot and then they were detained at the border. For now, they are reveling in family time, but a constant cloud hangs over their modest apartment in Queens as the future is uncertain. They fear vehicles with tinted windows that park outside their building. Both Reuben and Monica have new hearings looming in the new year.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Monica and Ruben's children CHRISTOPHER and ROSA from Ecuador drive from their apartment in Brooklyn to a worship service at St. Peters Church in New York. He credits the diligence of his lawyers and his wife's relentless efforts for his release from ICE detention. Their journey to this new land included five weeks traversing Mexico by foot and then they were detained at the border. For now, they are reveling in family time, but a constant cloud hangs over their modest apartment in Queens as the future is uncertain.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
RUBEN and his children CHRISTOPHER and ROSA are happily reunited after his release from ICE detention at their apartment in Brooklyn. He credits the diligence of his lawyers and his wife's relentless efforts for his release. Their journey to this new land included five weeks traversing Mexico by foot and then they were detained at the border. 'When we were walking across Mexico Christopher said he was going to keep walking until he saw the Stature of Liberty,' said Monica. It was a dream of Christopher. On their third day in America, there it was the beacon of huddled masses. 'We had only seen it in the movies,' explained Monica. 'We never thought we would be here.' For now, they are reveling in family time, but a constant cloud hangs over their modest apartment in Queens as the future is uncertain. They fear vehicles with tinted windows that park outside their building. Both Reuben and Monica have new hearings looming in the new year. 'Hopefully, God willing, nothing will happen,' she states, holding onto fragile hope.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
A magnet on Monica and Ruben's refrigerator is symbolic for them at their apartment in Brooklyn. Their journey to this new land included five weeks traversing Mexico by foot and then they were detained at the border. 'When we were walking across Mexico Christopher said he was going to keep walking until he saw the Stature of Liberty,' said Monica. It was a dream of Christopher. On their third day in America, there it was, the beacon of huddled masses. 'We had only seen it in the movies,' explained Monica. 'We never thought we would be here.' For now, they are reveling in family time, but a constant cloud hangs over their modest apartment in Queens as the future is uncertain. Both Reuben and Monica have new hearings looming in the new year. 'Hopefully, God willing, nothing will happen,' she states, holding onto fragile hope.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
MONICA and RUBEN from Ecuador with their children CHRISTOPHER and ROSA lease after attending service at St. Peters Church in New York. He credits the diligence of his lawyers and his wife's relentless efforts for his release from ICE detention. Their journey to this new land included five weeks traversing Mexico by foot and then they were detained at the border. For now, they are reveling in family time, but a constant cloud hangs over their modest apartment in Queens as the future is uncertain. They fear vehicles with tinted windows that park outside their building. Both Reuben and Monica have new hearings looming in the new year.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
A wife gives her husband a final look while ICE federal agents detain Joan Paul Alcivar De La Cruz, a migrant from Ecuador, Samara broke down in tears and screamed ‘Fuck NY, Fuck Donald Trump, Fuck ICE’ as she left the courthouse weeping.
© A wife gives her husband a final look while ICE federal agents detain Joan Paul Alcivar De La Cruz, a migrant from Ecuador, Samara broke down in tears and screamed ‘Fuck NY, Fuck Donald Trump, Fuck ICE’ as she left the courthouse weeping.
Distraught Samara broke down in tears and screamed 'Fuck NY, Fuck Donald Trump, Fuck ICE' as she left the courthouse weeping, after her husband was taken by Federal Agents following his immigration court hearing in New York on June 25, 2025.
© Distraught Samara broke down in tears and screamed 'Fuck NY, Fuck Donald Trump, Fuck ICE' as she left the courthouse weeping, after her husband was taken by Federal Agents following his immigration court hearing in New York on June 25, 2025.
ICE agents and federal officers detain a migrant married to SAMARA, a pregnant US citizen after his immigration court hearing at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. The distraught woman broke down in tears and screamed 'Fuck NY, Fuck Donald Trump, Fuck ICE,' as she left the courthouse weeping. Soon afterwards, she had a miscarriage that she blames on the stress.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
SAMARA, a pregnant US citizen has a final look at her husband as ICE agents and federal officers detain him after his immigration court hearing at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. The distraught woman broke down in tears and screamed 'Fuck NY, Fuck Donald Trump, Fuck ICE' as she left the courthouse weeping. Soon afterwards, she had a miscarriage that she blames on the stress.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ICE agents and federal officers detain a migrant married to Samara, a pregnant US citizen after his immigration court hearing at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. The distraught woman broke down in tears and screamed 'Fuck NY, Fuck Donald Trump, Fuck ICE' as she left the courthouse weeping. Soon afterwards, she had a miscarriage that she blames on the stress.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Yonquenide was holding his 3-year-old son Emmanuel as ICE agents approached his at the doorway of his immigration court hearing at the Jabob Javits Federal Building in New York on September 18, 2025.
© Yonquenide was holding his 3-year-old son Emmanuel as ICE agents approached his at the doorway of his immigration court hearing at the Jabob Javits Federal Building in New York on September 18, 2025.
'Husbands are taken away in front of their children,' said Franyelis.
© Husbands are taken away in front of their children,' said Franyelis.
YONQUENIDE was holding his 3-year-old son EMMANUEL as ICE agents approached his at the doorway of his immigration court hearing at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. They gave him a moment to go back in the waiting room to say goodbye to his wife Franyelis and other son Yoneifer, 8 years old. 'Husbands are taken away in front of their children,' said Franyelis. Little Emmanuel doesn't know his father is in detention but rather at work. Franyelis is struggling to pay the rent and care for her health with a new baby on the way as her husband awaits an uncertain future. She doesn't even have the funds for phone calls to stay in contact with him.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
YONQUENIDE was holding his 3-year-old son Emmanuel as ICE agents approached his at the doorway of his immigration court hearing at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. They gave him a moment to go back in the waiting room to say goodbye to his wife Franyelis and other son Yoneifer, 8 years old, in a fancy blue suit. He wept. 'Husbands are taken away in front of their children,' said Franyelis. Little Emmanuel doesn't know his father is in detention but rather at work. Anytime someone knocks on the door of their home in Brooklyn, he hopes it's his dad.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Yonquenide was holding his 3-year-old son Emmanuel as ICE agents approached his at the doorway of his immigration court hearing at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. They gave him a moment to go back in the waiting room to say goodbye to his wife Franyelis and other son YONEIFER, 8 years old, in a fancy blue suit. He wept. 'Husbands are taken away in front of their children,' said Franyelis. Little Emmanuel doesn't know his father is in detention but rather at work. Anytime someone knocks on the door of their home in Brooklyn, he hopes it's his dad. Franyelis is struggling to pay the rent and care for her health with a new baby on the way as her husband awaits an uncertain future.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Father FABIAN ARIAS from St. Peters Church assists the family. Yonquenide was holding his 3-year-old son Emmanuel as ICE agents approached him at the doorway of his immigration court hearing at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. They gave him a moment to go back in the waiting room to say goodbye to his wife Franyelis and other son YONEIFER, 8 years old, in a fancy blue suit. He wept. 'Husbands are taken away in front of their children,' said Franyelis. Little Emmanuel doesn't know his father is in detention but rather at work. Franyelis is struggling to pay the rent and care for her health with a new baby on the way as her husband awaits an uncertain future.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Father FABIAN ARIAS from St. Peter's Church assists the family. Yonquenide was holding his 3-year-old son Emmanuel as ICE agents approached his at the doorway of his immigration court hearing at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. They gave him a moment to go back in the waiting room to say goodbye to his wife Franyelis and other son Yoneifer, 8 years old, in a fancy blue suit. He wept. 'Husbands are taken away in front of their children.' said Franyelis. Little Emmanuel doesn't know his father is in detention but rather at work. Anytime someone knocks on the door of their home in Brooklyn, he hopes it's his dad. Franyelis is struggling to pay the rent and care for her health with a new baby on the way as her husband awaits an uncertain future.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
'Please help me, please help me. Take me too.' Grace wept as he was led away.
© Please help me, please help me. Take me too.' Grace wept as he was led away.
A migrant woman and her children from Ecuador weep after her husband was detained by ICE agents and federal officers after their immigration court hearings at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York NY on August 20, 2025. 'Please help me, please help me. Take me too.' she wept as he was led away.
© A migrant woman and her children from Ecuador weep after her husband was detained by ICE agents and federal officers after their immigration court hearings at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York NY on August 20, 2025. 'Please help me, please help me. Take me too.' she wept as he was led away.
A migrant woman and her children from Ecuador weep after her husband was detained by ICE agents and federal officers after their immigration court hearings at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. 'Please help me, please help me, please help me. Take me too,' she wept as he was led away. Later a security guard breaks down in tears in a moment of tender humanity while witnessing their heartbreak. The family was inconsolable with despair.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
A court observer assists as a woman and her children from Ecuador weep after her husband was detained by ICE agents and federal officers after their immigration court hearings at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. Later a security guard breaks down in tears in a moment of tender humanity while witnessing their heartbreak. The family was inconsolable with despair. Security guards are tangled in the middle of ICE, migrants, observers, activists and press as courthouse dynamics play out in this new normal in America. Sometimes it's the quiet moments that reach most deeply into the collective conscience of a nation.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
A court observer assists as a woman and her children from Ecuador weep after her husband was detained by ICE agents and federal officers after their immigration court hearings at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. Later a building security guard shed tears witnessing their heartbreak.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
A security guard breaks down in tears in a moment of tender humanity while witnessing the heartbreak of a distraught migrant woman and her children after her husband was detained by ICE as they left his immigration court hearing at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. The family was inconsolable with despair. 'Please help me, please help me. Take me too.' she wept as he was led away. Security guards are tangled in the middle of ICE, migrants, observers, activists and press as courthouse dynamics play out in this new normal in America. Sometimes it's the quiet moments that reach most deeply into the collective conscience of a nation.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
A NEW NORMAL
© ADAPTING: A NEW NORMAL
Jessica Supliguicha was 8 months pregnant when her husband Jorge was detained by ICE in September at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York, NY. 'I felt the world was coming to an end,' she wept. 'They change your life overnight.'
© Jessica Supliguicha was 8 months pregnant when her husband Jorge was detained by ICE in September at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York, NY. 'I felt the world was coming to an end,' she wept. 'They change your life overnight.'
Jessica Supliguicha was 8 months pregnant when her husband Jorge was detained by ICE at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. 'I felt the world was coming to an end,' she wept. 'They change your life overnight.'
© Jessica Supliguicha was 8 months pregnant when her husband Jorge was detained by ICE at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. 'I felt the world was coming to an end,' she wept. 'They change your life overnight.'
DYLAN hugs his mom JESSICA SUPLIGUICHA as she weeps at their home in Queens. Jessica was 8 months pregnant when her husband Jorge was detained by ICE in September at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. 'I felt the world was coming to an end.' she wept. They change your life overnight.' They are both from Ecuador, and she is a now a naturalized US citizen. Jorge had fled the gang violence that killed his brother. They were married in May but did not have enough time to petition the court before his hearing. She lives in Queens with her 9-year-old son Dylan who comforts her when she weeps. He was deported to Ecuador three days before the baby was born and remains in hiding. She is pursuing legal avenues to bring him back to her, but that could take years. She is struggling financially without him and battling depression. 'I don't know where I get the strength to survive,' she says wearily.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
In Jessica's bedroom is a crib and candles burning under a religious portrait with photos from her wedding at her home in Queens. JESSICA SUPLIGUICHA was 8 months pregnant when her husband Jorge was detained by ICE in September at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. 'I felt the world was coming to an end,' she wept. 'They change your life overnight.' They are both from Ecuador, and she is a now a naturalized US citizen. Jorge had fled the gang violence that killed his brother. They were married in May but did not have enough time to petition the court before his hearing. She lives in Queens with her 9-year-old son Dylan who comforts her when she weeps. Jorge was deported to Ecuador three days before the baby was born and remains in hiding. She is pursuing legal avenues to bring him back to her, but that could take years. She is struggling financially without him and battling depression. 'I don't know where I get the strength to survive,' she says wearily.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
In Jessica's bedroom is a crib and candles burning under a religious portrait with photos from her wedding at her home in Queens. JESSICA SUPLIGUICHA was 8 months pregnant when her husband Jorge was detained by ICE in September at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. 'I felt the world was coming to an end,' she wept. 'They change your life overnight.' They are both from Ecuador, and she is a now a naturalized US citizen. Jorge had fled the gang violence that killed his brother. They were married in May but did not have enough time to petition the court before his hearing. She lives in Queens with her 9-year-old son Dylan who comforts her when she weeps. Jorge was deported to Ecuador three days before the baby was born and remains in hiding.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
In Jessica's bedroom is a crib and candles burning under a religious portrait with photos from her wedding at her home in Queens. JESSICA SUPLIGUICHA was 8 months pregnant when her husband Jorge was detained by ICE in September at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. 'I felt the world was coming to an end,' she wept. 'They change your life overnight.' They are both from Ecuador, and she is a now a naturalized US citizen. Jorge had fled the gang violence that killed his brother. They were married in May but did not have enough time to petition the court before his hearing. She lives in Queens with her 9-year-old son Dylan who comforts her when she weeps. Jorge was deported to Ecuador three days before the baby was born and remains in hiding. She is pursuing legal avenues to bring him back to her, but that could take years. She is struggling financially without him and battling depression. 'I don't know where I get the strength to survive,' she says wearily.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
DYLAN hugs his mom as she weeps during service at St. Peters Church in New York. JESSICA SUPLIGUICHA was 8 months pregnant when her husband Jorge was detained by ICE in September at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. They are both from Ecuador, and she is a now a naturalized US citizen. Jorge had fled the gang violence that killed his brother. They were married in May but did not have enough time to petition the court before his hearing. He was deported to Ecuador three days before the baby was born and remains in hiding. She is pursuing legal avenues to bring him back to her, but that could take years. She is struggling financially without him and battling depression. 'I don't know where I get the strength to survive,' she says wearily.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
JESSICA walks from her home to a clinic for an ultrasound and tests during her risky pregnancy in Queens. Jessica Supliguicha was 8 months pregnant when her husband Jorge was detained by ICE at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. 'I felt the world was coming to an end,' she wept. 'They change your life overnight.' They are both from Ecuador, and she is a now a naturalized US citizen. Jorge had fled the gang violence that killed his brother. They were married in May but did not have enough time to petition the court before his hearing. Jorge was deported to Ecuador three days before the baby was born and remains in hiding. She is pursuing legal avenues to bring him back to her, but that could take years. She is struggling financially without him and battling depression.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
JESSICA walks from her home to a clinic for an ultrasound and tests during her risky pregnancy in Queens. Jessica Supliguicha was 8 months pregnant when her husband Jorge was detained by ICE in September at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. 'I felt the world was coming to an end,' she wept. 'They change your life overnight.' They are both from Ecuador, and she is a now a naturalized US citizen. Jorge had fled the gang violence that killed his brother. They were married in May but did not have enough time to petition the court before his hearing. In Jessica's bedroom is a crib and candles burning under a religious portrait with photos from her wedding. She lives in Queens with her 9-year-old son Dylan who comforts her when she weeps. Jorge was deported to Ecuador three days before the baby was born and remains in hiding. She is pursuing legal avenues to bring him back to her, but that could take years. She is struggling financially without him and battling depression. 'I don't know where I get the strength to survive,' she says wearily.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire/ZUMAPRESS.com
Baby CRISTINA is born after a risky pregnancy and Jessica brings her to a service at St. Peters Church in New York. Jessica Supliguicha was 8 months pregnant when her husband Jorge was detained by ICE in September at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. 'I felt the world was coming to an end,' she wept. 'They change your life overnight.'
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Baby CRISTINA is born after a risky pregnancy and JESSICA cares for the newborn at her home in Queens. Jessica Supliguicha was 8 months pregnant when her husband Jorge was detained by ICE in September at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. 'I felt the world was coming to an end,' she wept. 'They change your life overnight.' They are both from Ecuador, and she is a now a naturalized US citizen. Jorge had fled the gang violence that killed his brother. They were married in May but did not have enough time to petition the court before his hearing. In Jessica's bedroom is a crib and candles burning under a religious portrait with photos from her wedding. Jorge was deported to Ecuador three days before the baby was born and remains in hiding. She is pursuing legal avenues to bring him back to her, but that could take years. She is struggling financially without him and battling depression.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Baby CRISTINA is born after a risky pregnancy and Jessica is embraced by Father FABIAN ARIAS as she brings her to a service at St. Peters Church in New York. JESSICA SUPLIGUICHA was 8 months pregnant when her husband Jorge was detained by ICE in September at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. 'I felt the world was coming to an end,' she wept. 'They change your life overnight.' They are both from Ecuador, and she is a now a naturalized US citizen. Jorge had fled the gang violence that killed his brother. They were married in May but did not have enough time to petition the court before his hearing. Jorge was deported to Ecuador three days before the baby was born and remains in hiding. She is pursuing legal avenues to bring him back to her, but that could take years.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Baby CRISTINA was born after a risky pregnancy and JESSICA SUPLIGUICHA consults with a lawyer with the assistance of PETER MELCK KETTLE at St. Peters Church in New York. Jessica was 8 months pregnant when her husband Jorge was detained by ICE in September at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. They are both from Ecuador, and she is a now a naturalized US citizen. Jorge had fled the gang violence that killed his brother. They were married in May but did not have enough time to petition the court before his hearing. Jorge was deported to Ecuador three days before the baby was born and remains in hiding. She is pursuing legal avenues to bring him back to her, but that could take years. She is struggling financially without him and battling depression.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
DYLAN holds his baby sister CRISTINA during a cultural dance celebrating the Feast of Lady Guadalupe at St. Peters Church in New York. Jessica Supliguicha was 8 months pregnant when her husband Jorge was detained by ICE in September at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. 'I felt the world was coming to an end,' she wept. 'They change your life overnight.'
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
JESSICA SUPLIGUICHA cradles her baby Cristina at their apartment in Queens. Jessica was 8 months pregnant when her husband Jorge was detained by ICE in September at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. He was deported to Ecuador three days before the baby was born and remains in hiding. 'I asked the Virgin to give me a miracle,' said Jessica, who believes the baby recognizes her Papa's voice when he calls. And with the generosity of family, friends and her boss, she will. They pooled donations for a plane ticket to Ecuador as a Christmas gift. On December 30 the family will be on a flight that will lead them to his embrace as they greet a new year. 'I'm still in shock because I don't know if it's a dream or not,' she wept. 'He's finally going to see my princess.'
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
JESSICA SUPLIGUICHA cradles her baby CRISTINA under their Christmas tree as son DYLAN plays with his cat who he calls his best friend at their apartment in Queens. Jessica was 8 months pregnant when her husband Jorge was detained by ICE in September at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York, NY. He was deported to Ecuador three days before the baby was born and remains in hiding. 'I asked the Virgin to give me a miracle,' said Jessica, who believes the baby recognizes her Papa's voice when he calls. And with the generosity of family, friends and her boss, she will. They pooled donations for a plane ticket to Ecuador as a Christmas gift.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
December 7, 2025, Brooklyn, New York, USA, Jessica Supliguicha cradles her baby CRISTINA at their apartment in Queens. Jessica was 8 months pregnant when her husband Jorge was detained by ICE in September at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York. He was deported to Ecuador three days before the baby was born and remains in hiding. On December 30 the family will be on a flight that will lead them to his embrace as they greet a new year. 'I'm still in shock because I don't now if it's a dream or not,' she wept. 'He's finally going to see my princess.'
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
They had traversed the jungle of the notorious Darien Gap with newborn Ashley, fleeing Ecuador to follow their dream of a safer life in America.
© They had traversed the jungle of the notorious Darien Gap with newborn Ashley, fleeing Ecuador to follow their dream of a safer life in America.
'Why are you taking away my father from me? He is the only one I have,' wept 10-year-old Scarlett clinging to him as ICE agents detained him after his immigration court hearing at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in NY on July 31, 2025.
© Why are you taking away my father from me? He is the only one I have,' wept 10-year-old Scarlett clinging to him as ICE agents detained him after his immigration court hearing at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in NY on July 31, 2025.
ANITA, SCARLETT and ASHLEY frantically follow as Hermel is led away. 'Why are you taking away my father from me? He is the only one I have,' wept 10-year-old Scarlett clinging to him as ICE agents detained him after his immigration court hearing at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in NY. Anita and her two daughters struggle after Hermel was taken, leaving a broken family. Scarlett's biological dad was murdered, and this is a second painful loss in her young life. Family separations are heart-wrenching as children are traumatized, caught in the crossfire of Trump's controversial immigration reform policies amid a mass deportation effort.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ANITA, SCARLETT and ASHLEY frantically follow as Hermel is led away. 'Why are you taking away my father from me? He is the only one I have,' wept 10-year-old Scarlett clinging to him as ICE agents detained him after his immigration court hearing at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in NY. Anita and her two daughters struggle after Hermel was taken, leaving a broken family. Scarlett's biological dad was murdered, and this is a second painful loss in her young life. Family separations are heart-wrenching as children are traumatized, caught in the crossfire of Trump's controversial immigration reform policies amid a mass deportation effort.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ANITA, SCARLETT and ASHLEY frantically follow as Hermel is led away. 'Why are you taking away my father from me? He is the only one I have,' wept 10-year-old Scarlett clinging to him as ICE agents detained him after his immigration court hearing at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in NY. Anita and her two daughters struggle after Hermel was taken, leaving a broken family. Scarlett's biological dad was murdered, and this is a second painful loss in her young life. Family separations are heart-wrenching as children are traumatized, caught in the crossfire of Trump's controversial immigration reform policies amid a mass deportation effort.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
SCARLETT, 10 years old, was emotionally shut down from yet another profound loss in her young life after her father was detained by ICE at his immigration court hearing as she lays on her bed at home in Brooklyn. Her biological father was murdered and now she is traumatized by witnessing the detainment by 'masked men.'
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ANITA breaks down in tears at the dinner table while talking to her husband Hermel, who is languishing in the limbo of detention, at her home in Brooklyn. Local churches have provided assistance with legal issues and also therapy for the family as they adapt to a new normal without the breadwinner of the household. Anita works as a cleaning lady but struggles with financial issues now.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ASHLEY wipes her mother's tears away as ANITA breaks down at the dinner table while talking to her husband Hermel, who is languishing in the limbo of detention, at her home in Brooklyn. Local churches have provided assistance with legal issues and also therapy for the family as they adapt to a new normal without the breadwinner of the household. Anita works as a cleaning lady but struggles with financial issues now.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Anita shows pictures on her cell phone at their home in Brooklyn. Hermel and the family had traversed the jungle of the notorious Darien Gap with newborn Ashley, fleeing Ecuador to follow their dream of a safer life in America.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ASHLEY cuddles and kisses the phone when her father Hermel calls from an ICE detention center at her home in Brooklyn.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
SCARLETT, 10 years old, has a therapy session by phone with a counselor after her father was detained by ICE at his immigration court hearing at her home in Brooklyn. She emotionally shut down from yet another profound loss in her young life. Her biological father was murdered and now she is traumatized by witnessing the detainment by masked men. 'Why are you taking away my father from me,' she wept. 'He is the only one I have.' Local churches have provided assistance with legal issues and also therapy for the family as they adapt to a new normal without him.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
SCARLETT, 10 years old, sits alone in her room making a drawing asking Jesus to watch over her Papa after he was detained by ICE at his immigration court hearing at her home in Brooklyn. She emotionally shut down from yet another profound loss in her young life. Her biological father was murdered and now she is traumatized by witnessing the detainment by masked men, 'Why are you taking away my father from me,'she wept. He is the only one I have.' Local churches have provided assistance with legal issues and also therapy for the family as they adapt to a new normal without him.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
SCARLETT, 10 years old, sits alone in her room making a drawing asking Jesus to watch over her Papa after he was detained by ICE at his immigration court hearing at her home in Brooklyn. She emotionally shut down from yet another profound loss in her young life. Her biological father was murdered and now she is traumatized by witnessing the detainment by masked men, 'Why are you taking away my father from me,'she wept. He is the only one I have.' Local churches have provided assistance with legal issues and also therapy for the family as they adapt to a new normal without him.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ANITA and her two daughters walk down a street in their neighborhood as they go on with life after Hermel was detained by ICE, leaving a broken family that slowly adapt to a new normal without him in Brooklyn.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ANITA embraces ASHLEY on the subway returning from a church that provides assistance to migrants as they slowly adapt to a new normal without her husband Hermel after he was detained by ICE in Brooklyn.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ANITA multitasks as she walks with a rambunctious ASHLEY and SCARLETT from St. Peters Church as they slowly adapt to a new normal without Hermel. They received prayer, solace and legal assistance after the mass.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Mass at St. Peters Church with Father Fabian Arias which is an epicenter of solace and legal assistance for migrants dealing with aftershocks of ICE detainments in New York.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ANITA embraces her girls, SCARLETT, 10 and ASHLEY, 3 holding onto fragile hope as they await an uncertain destiny during a worship service at St. Peters church in New York. The migrant family from Ecuador struggles after her husband Hermel was detained by ICE following his immigration court hearing leaving a broken family. Children are traumatized, caught in the crossfire of Trump's controversial immigration reform policies amid a mass deportation effort. 'Why are you taking away my father from me,' Scarlett wept. 'He is the only one I have.' Her biological dad was murdered, and this is a second painful loss in her young life.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ANITA has a FaceTime call with her husband Hermel as he languishes in a detention center while consulting a lawyer at St. Peters Church in New York. Hermel was detained by ICE after his immigration court hearing and Anita insists the charges against him stemmed from a misunderstanding and she is appealing for his release before possible deportation. This church has been an epicenter of assistance, providing not only prayers and solace but also lawyers and resources for families as they adapt to a new normal without the breadwinner of the household.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ANITA and her daughter SCARLETT mirror each other's concern as they listen to a lawyer's advice about her husband Hermel's case at St. Peter's Church in New York. He was detained by ICE after him immigration court hearing and Anita insists the charges against him stemmed from a misunderstanding and she is appealing for aid with his release before possible deportation. This church has been an epicenter of assistance, providing not only prayers and solace but also lawyers and resources for families as they adapt to a new normal without the breadwinner of the household.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ANITA is proactive, seeking legal advice and therapy at local churches which are epicenters for aid, prayer and solace during ICE detentions in New York.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ANITA and her daughters SCARLETT and ASHLEY take the subway home after visiting a church providing legal assistance about her husband Hermel's case in New York. He was detained by ICE after him immigration court hearing and Anita insists the charges against him stemmed from a misunderstanding and she is appealing for his release before possible deportation. Local churches provide not only prayers and solace but also lawyers and resources for families as they adapt to a new normal without the breadwinner of the household.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ASHLEY rests after posing for a portrait in her pretty new dress a few days after she celebrated her 3rd birthday at home in Brooklyn without her Papa who languishes in an ICE detention center.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ASHLEY loves makeup and admires at her image in a mirror as she celebrates her 3rd birthday without her Papa at home in Brooklyn. Her father Hermel was detained by ICE after his immigration court hearing and the family adapts to a new normal without him. When he calls, she cuddles and kisses the phone. 'Ash' my little girl, my little girl,' he says, crying. As he languishes in detention, he is missing the tender growing up moments of his precious, precocious daughter.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ASHLEY blows out candles on her cake during her birthday party as she turns 3 years old without her Papa at her home in Brooklyn. Her father Hermel was detained by ICE after his immigration court hearing and the family adapts to a new normal without him. When he calls, she cuddles and kisses the phone. 'Ash' my little girl, my little girl,' he says, crying. As he languishes in detention, he is missing the tender growing up moments of his precious, precocious daughter.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
SCARLETT carries her sister ASHLEY who wears a pretty dress during her birthday party as she turns 3 years old without her Papa at her home in Brooklyn. Her father Hermel was detained by ICE after his immigration court hearing and the family adapts to a new normal without him. As he languishes in detention, he is missing the tender growing up moments of his precious, precocious daughter.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Friends celebrate with SCARLETT and ASHLEY at the birthday party as she turns 3 years old without her Papa at her home in Brooklyn. Her father Hermel was detained by ICE after his immigration court hearing and the family adapts to a new normal without him. As he languishes in detention he is also missing all the moments of growing up with his precious and precocious girl.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ASHLEY wears a pretty dress during her birthday party as she turns 3 years old without her Papa at her home in Brooklyn. Her father Hermel was detained by ICE after his immigration court hearing and the family adapts to a new normal without him. As he languishes in detention he is also missing all the moments of growing up with his precious and precocious girl.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ASHLEY wears a pretty dress during her birthday party as she turns 3 years old without her Papa at her home in Brooklyn. Her father Hermel was detained by ICE after his immigration court hearing and the family adapts to a new normal without him. As he languishes in detention he is also missing all the moments of growing up with his precious and precocious girl.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ASHLEY rests in her room a few days after celebrating her 3rd birthday without her Papa at her home in Brooklyn. Her father Hermel was detained by ICE after his immigration court hearing and the family adapts to a new normal without him. When he calls, she cuddles and kisses the phone, 'Ash' my little girl, my little girl,' he says, crying. As he languishes in detention, he is missing the tender growing up moments of his precious daughter.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ANITA and her daughter's SCARLETT and ASHLEY rest at her home in Brooklyn. Her husband Hermel was detained by ICE after his immigration court hearing and Ashley recently celebrated her third birthday without her Papa as they adapt to a new normal without him. Her own hearing is looming. For now, she falls asleep embracing her girls, holding onto fragile hope as they await an uncertain destiny. They were working to secure Hermel's release, insisting he is wrongly accused. After languishing in detention for over three months, Hermel made the difficult decision to self-deport to Ecuador.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
'I Want To Be Free, Want To Be Free, Rainbow Round My Shoulder, Wings On My Feet.' NY Courthouse inscription.
© I Want To Be Free, Want To Be Free, Rainbow Round My Shoulder, Wings On My Feet.' NY Courthouse inscription.
