At least 58 children in Florida, ranging from three to fifteen years old, are being sent to Guatemala and other Latin American countries to reunite with their families after their parents or guardians were deported.
According to reports from EFE on Friday, these minors are receiving support from the Guatemalan-Maya Center, an organization based in Lake Worth Beach, Palm Beach, dedicated to aiding Central American migrants.
This situation, which has stirred emotions in South Florida, highlights the human toll of the intensified immigration raids that took place during President Donald Trump's second term.
Per EFE's accounts, seven children traveled this week from Miami International Airport to Guatemala.
Among them, three are U.S. citizens, and four grew up in communities within Palm Beach County, home to a significant Guatemalan population.
"Separating a child from their parents teaches nothing; there are no winners in this scenario. The only losers are the children," stated Diego Serrato, a volunteer with the Guatemalan-Maya Center, to the local newspaper.
The organization has also arranged notarized powers of attorney for another 200 minors whose parents fear detention, allowing for temporary guardianship while their immigration cases are addressed.
In Lake Worth Beach, located just seven miles from Mar-a-Lago, President Trump's residence, arrests have increased, according to local testimonies.
Data from the American Immigration Council (AIC) illustrates the severity of the issue: as of 2018, about 4.4 million U.S. citizen children lived with at least one undocumented parent, and over 6 million shared their home with a family member lacking legal status.
Humanitarian organizations warn that these policies have dire consequences for children.
AIC experts caution about the risk of "toxic stress," anxiety, mental health disorders, academic challenges, and loss of emotional and economic stability.
Studies indicate that in many households, the deportation of an income earner leads to financial collapse, with family budgets shrinking between 40% and 90% in the months that follow.
This issue, far from isolated, impacts entire communities who live in constant fear of losing a parent or caregiver.
While the government has defended the strict enforcement of immigration laws, the collateral effects on thousands of children —including U.S. citizens— reveal the harshest aspects of the current immigration policy.
Questions About Impact of U.S. Immigration Policy on Children
How many children in the U.S. live with undocumented parents?
Approximately 4.4 million U.S. citizen children live with at least one undocumented parent, and over 6 million share their home with a family member lacking legal status.
What are the psychological effects on children due to immigration raids?
Children affected by immigration raids face risks like "toxic stress," anxiety, mental health disorders, academic challenges, and loss of emotional and economic stability.
What support is provided to children affected by deportation?
Organizations like the Guatemalan-Maya Center offer support, including arranging temporary guardianship through notarized powers of attorney for children whose parents are at risk of being detained.