The deportation process and possible consequences for a family in fear of their homeland can be frightening for some and drive families to a state of desperation. Maryland families may be able to relate to the fear an out-of-state family has if they are deported back to their home country. The family is making news as they discussed with news outlets how they are in hiding to avoid deportation.
The family is from El Salvador. The woman, her common-law husband and their two children say they fled El Salvador because of threats made against them by gangs. The family made their way to the United States and were stopped at various points along the border. The mother believed they would be allowed to stay in the country as long as none of them committed any crimes.
Federal authorities have said the mother and the one child have had proper hearings and must be deported. The mother has removed an ankle bracelet meant to monitor her whereabouts as a means of avoiding detection by immigration authorities. The family has sought sanctuary in a Catholic church despite the fact the mother has been ordered to be removed. Agents have been told to not enter the church where the family is hiding.
Deportation situations can be complicated and emotional for families, particularly if one Maryland family member has been ordered deported but others in the immediate family have not. In cases such as this where a family feels harm may come to them if they are deported, asylum may be one option as a means of avoiding deportation. While a family may seek sanctuary in certain communities or establishments, a permanent solution to deportation threats can help keep families together and out of hiding.
Source: wsbtv.com, “Family tries to avoid capture and deportation”, July 31, 2015