This article tells the story of the Galvan family in Mercedes, Texas, whose world was upended when Jaime Galvan Sanchez, an undocumented farmworker, was mistakenly deported. Despite the stress and uncertainty of waiting for his return, the family found solace in having him back home, albeit with the added burden of his ankle monitor and legal challenges ahead.
Geovanna Galvan, 29, didn't expect her life to change overnight. For most of her life, she believed her parents, both undocumented farm workers in the Rio Grande Valley, were safe. That changed with President Donald Trump's second inauguration. The possibility of deportation loomed large, prompting her to download an app to track her family's location.
Only two weeks later, the app proved crucial when her father, Jaime Galvan Sanchez, 48, was stopped by a police officer for obstructing the street. Unable to present identification, Jaime was detained and contacted U.S. Border Patrol. Geovanna, knowing her father's location thanks to the app, rushed to the Harlingen Border Patrol station with proof of his decades-long residency: utility bills, property tax documents, and birth certificates of his children. She hoped to prevent his deportation through expedited removal, a process bypassing a court hearing. This process is typically not applicable to individuals residing in the U.S. for over two years unless they choose to waive their right to a court appearance. Armed with evidence and hope, Geovanna waited all night, anxiety mounting. The next morning at 8:45 a.m., a phone call came, not from her father, but from the Mexican border city of Reynosa. After living in the U.S. for over 20 years, Jaime had been deported in less than 24 hours. Two days later, Border Patrol admitted their mistake. They had removed Jaime without the due process he was entitled to.The Director of the McAllen district apologized and instructed Geovanna to have Jaime report to the port of entry where he would be allowed back in. Elated and relieved, Jaime returned, ankle monitor fastened to his left leg and documentation instructing him to meet immigration officials in the following months to build his case for legal residency. He was temporarily unable to work, adding financial stress to the family, while he navigated the complex process. Geovanna understood her responsibility had increased but was grateful to have her father back home. The family, fearing further intervention by authorities, retreated into self-imposed house arrest. Weekend outings were canceled, events like the Mercedes livestock show avoided, and even Jaime's birthday celebration was a quiet affair at home, devoid of the usual seafood restaurant outing. Jaime's freedom was limited, the ankle monitor hindering his physical activities. He missed his usual yard work and felt constrained in his attire. He longed for normalcy, for the carefree life they had before the harrowing experience of deportation. The specter of another potential arrest loomed large, casting a shadow over their newfound peace
Immigration Deportation South Texas Undocumented Family Legal Residency Texas Tribune
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