Key Takeaways
• Esvin Juarez detained May 30, 2025, despite approved crime victim visa, facing deportation in Texas.
• Florida’s May 2025 operation arrested 1,120 undocumented immigrants, including 437 from Guatemala.
• Juarez family attorney reports ICE confusion delaying paperwork and review of stay application.
A family in Apopka is at the center of a growing debate over immigration enforcement in Florida, as the Juarez family faces the threat of deportation to Guatemala. Their story highlights the real-life impact of changing immigration policies on families, businesses, and communities. The case has drawn attention from local advocates, legal experts, and policymakers, raising questions about the future of immigrant families in the United States 🇺🇸.
Who Are the Juarez Family and Why Are They Facing Deportation?
The Juarez family has lived in Apopka for 24 years. Esvin Juarez, the father, owns a concrete construction business that employs 10 people. His wife, Rosemari Juarez, has built a life in Apopka alongside him. Together, they have four children, all born in the United States 🇺🇸. Despite their long history in the country, both Esvin and Rosemari entered the United States 🇺🇸 without legal permission from Guatemala and have lived under the constant worry of deportation.
On May 30, 2025, Esvin was detained during a routine check-in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This came as a shock to his family, especially since he had been approved for a crime victim visa, which is meant to protect people who have helped law enforcement or been victims of crime. Rosemari, while not detained, also faces the risk of being removed from the country.
Their eldest daughter, Beverly Juarez, has become the family’s spokesperson and main advocate. She is now preparing to care for her younger siblings if her parents are deported. Beverly described the situation as “a big shock,” but also admitted that this fear has always been part of their lives as an immigrant family in Apopka.
What Is the Current Status of the Juarez Family’s Case?
- Esvin Juarez is being held in a detention center in Texas.
- Rosemari Juarez is not detained but faces deportation.
- Their attorney, Grisel Ybarra, has worked for years to get extensions and resolve their immigration status.
- As of June 4, 2025, ICE officials in Miramar, Florida, have accepted Esvin’s stay application for review.
A stay application is a formal request to delay deportation while a case is being reviewed. Normally, once ICE accepts a stay application, the person is not deported until a decision is made. However, the Juarez family has faced confusion and delays, with ICE offices in different locations giving them different instructions about where to file paperwork. This has added to the family’s stress and uncertainty.
Why Is This Happening Now? Florida’s Tougher Immigration Enforcement
The Juarez family’s situation is not unique. It comes at a time when Florida has increased its immigration enforcement. On May 1, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis announced what he called the “largest joint immigration operation in Florida history.” In just one week, authorities arrested 1,120 undocumented people across the state.
Breakdown of Arrests by Country:
– 437 from Guatemala 🇬🇹
– 280 from Mexico 🇲🇽
– 153 from Honduras 🇭🇳
– 48 from Venezuela 🇻🇪
– 24 from El Salvador 🇸🇻
– 178 from other countries
These actions have led to protests in Apopka and other cities. On May 27, 2025, dozens of Central Floridians gathered outside a Governor DeSantis event in Apopka, demanding an end to ICE raids and deportations. Protesters pointed out that at least 30% of Apopka’s residents identify as Hispanic or Latino, showing how deeply these policies affect the local community.
National Policy and the Trump Administration’s Approach
The Juarez family’s case is also part of a larger national trend. The Trump administration has taken a tough stance on immigration, increasing deportations and using new legal tools to remove people from the country. In March 2025, hundreds of migrants were deported to El Salvador 🇸🇻, even though a federal judge had ordered a temporary stop to such removals.
One controversial move involved using an old wartime law to target Venezuelan gang members. Judge James E. Boasberg noted that this law had “never before been used outside of a congressionally declared war.” This shows how the administration is using every available tool to speed up deportations, sometimes in ways that have never been tried before.
The Human Impact: Families and Communities in Crisis
Behind the numbers and legal battles are real people. The Juarez family’s story is just one example of how deportation can tear families apart. Beverly Juarez, the eldest daughter, now faces the possibility of becoming the main caregiver for her siblings. She says her father is a hard worker with “a lot of ambition” who “doesn’t give in to fear.” Despite the crisis, Beverly is determined to keep her family together: “I just have to keep going because that’s what my father would have done.”
Others in the community have shared similar stories. Rene Gomez, who joined the protest in Apopka, said, “Just last week, I saw a father get deported, and his teenage daughter and father just cried and wept, and there’s nothing they can do.” These stories show the emotional pain and uncertainty that deportation brings to families in Apopka and beyond.
Legal Challenges and Confusion
The Juarez family’s attorney, Grisel Ybarra, has been fighting to keep the family together. She says that enforcement priorities have changed under the new administration. At Esvin’s ICE appointment on May 30, an officer told her that “things are different now with the new administration.” Ybarra, who voted for President Trump, expressed disappointment: “I voted for the borders to be closed. I voted for the criminals to be deported. I voted for legal immigration, but I did not vote for power to be given to mean people to do bad things to good people. I didn’t vote for this part.”
The family’s experience with ICE has been especially frustrating. Different offices have given them conflicting instructions about where to file paperwork, causing delays and confusion. This kind of bureaucratic problem is common for many families facing deportation, making it even harder for them to defend their right to stay in the United States 🇺🇸.
What Is a Crime Victim Visa?
Esvin Juarez had been approved for a crime victim visa, also known as a U visa. This visa is for people who have been victims of certain crimes and have helped law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of those crimes. The U visa is meant to protect victims and encourage them to report crimes without fear of deportation. You can find more information about the U visa and how to apply on the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) U Visa page.
Despite having this approval, Esvin was still detained, showing how even people with legal protections can be caught up in enforcement actions.
Community Resources and Support in Apopka
For families in Apopka facing similar challenges, there are local organizations that offer help:
- Hope CommUnity Center: Provides legal assistance, education, and support for immigrants in Apopka.
- Farmworkers Association: Advocates for the rights of farmworkers and immigrants, offering resources and support.
These groups have been active in supporting the Juarez family and others affected by deportation. They also help families understand their rights and connect them with legal help.
How Can People Report Immigration Issues or Get Help?
If you are concerned about immigration enforcement or want to report a crime or suspicious activity, you can contact the Department of Homeland Security at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or use their online tip form.
For those needing legal help, it’s important to work with a qualified immigration attorney. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) offers a search tool to find attorneys in your area.
What Are the Broader Implications for Apopka and Florida?
The Juarez family’s case is not just about one family. It reflects the larger impact of immigration enforcement on Apopka and similar communities across Florida. With 30% of Apopka’s population identifying as Hispanic or Latino, many families are living with the fear of deportation. Local businesses, like Esvin’s construction company, also feel the effects when workers or owners are detained or deported.
Key Implications:
– Family Separation: Children born in the United States 🇺🇸 may be left behind if their parents are deported.
– Economic Impact: Local businesses lose workers and owners, affecting the economy.
– Community Trust: Fear of deportation can make people less likely to report crimes or cooperate with police.
– Mental Health: The stress and uncertainty of possible deportation can harm the mental health of children and adults.
What Happens Next for the Juarez Family?
As of now, Esvin Juarez’s stay application is under review by ICE. If approved, he and his wife may be allowed to remain in the United States 🇺🇸 while their case is resolved. However, the process is uncertain, and the family continues to face the risk of separation.
The Department of Homeland Security has said they are looking into the Juarez case after receiving a request for information. The family’s attorney and supporters are hopeful but know that the outcome is far from certain.
What Can Others Learn from the Juarez Family’s Experience?
The Juarez family’s story shows how complicated and stressful the immigration system can be. Even people who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for decades, built businesses, and raised American children can face deportation. Their case highlights the importance of:
- Knowing Your Rights: Immigrants should learn about their legal rights and options.
- Seeking Legal Help: Working with an experienced immigration attorney can make a big difference.
- Community Support: Local organizations can provide help and advocacy.
- Staying Informed: Immigration policies can change quickly, so it’s important to keep up with the latest news.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, cases like the Juarez family’s are becoming more common as enforcement increases and legal protections become harder to secure. This makes it even more important for families to seek help and stay informed.
Actionable Steps for Families Facing Deportation
If you or someone you know is facing deportation, here are some steps you can take:
- Contact a Qualified Immigration Attorney: Don’t try to handle your case alone. Find a lawyer who specializes in immigration law.
- Gather Important Documents: Keep copies of all immigration paperwork, identification, and any documents showing your ties to the United States 🇺🇸.
- Know Your Rights: Learn what to do if ICE comes to your home or workplace. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) offers helpful guides.
- Reach Out to Community Organizations: Groups like the Hope CommUnity Center and Farmworkers Association in Apopka can offer support.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from trusted sources and official government websites.
Conclusion
The Juarez family’s fight to stay in Apopka is a powerful example of how immigration enforcement affects real people. Their story shows the challenges faced by many families in Florida and across the United States 🇺🇸. As policies continue to change, it’s important for families, communities, and advocates to work together, stay informed, and support each other.
For more information about immigration enforcement, rights, and resources, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website. If you are in a similar situation, don’t wait—reach out for help and know that you are not alone.
Learn Today
Deportation → The forced removal of a person from the United States to their country of origin.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, responsible for enforcing immigration laws and detaining undocumented immigrants.
Crime Victim Visa (U Visa) → A visa protecting victims who assist law enforcement in investigations or prosecutions against crimes.
Stay Application → A legal request to delay deportation while immigration cases are under review.
Detention Center → A facility where immigrants are held while awaiting immigration proceedings or deportation.
This Article in a Nutshell
The Juarez family in Apopka faces deportation despite decades in the U.S. With children born here, recent ICE actions highlight harsh immigration policies tearing families apart.
— By VisaVerge.com
