Key Takeaways
• Maurilio Ambrocio, a 42-year-old pastor from Florida, was deported to Guatemala on July 2, 2025.
• ICE detained Ambrocio during a routine check-in, citing a 2013 removal order and prior deportation.
• His wife and five US citizen children remain in Florida, facing financial and emotional hardship.
Maurilio Ambrocio, a 42-year-old pastor from Wimauma, Florida, was deported to Guatemala on July 2, 2025. After more than two months in immigration detention, his removal has left his family and church community in shock and distress. Ambrocio’s case highlights the real-life impact of strict immigration enforcement under current U.S. policies, especially for families with deep roots in the United States 🇺🇸.
A Pastor’s Detention and Deportation
Maurilio Ambrocio’s story began in Guatemala, where he fled violence as a teenager. He arrived in the United States 🇺🇸 at age 15 and built a life in Florida over the next two decades. On April 17, 2025, Ambrocio went to his regular annual check-in at the Tampa office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). For over ten years, he had followed this process as part of a “stay of removal” arrangement, which allowed him to remain in the country under supervision as long as he checked in each year and stayed out of legal trouble.
But this time, things changed. ICE officers detained Ambrocio during his check-in, citing his prior deportation and an outstanding removal order from 2013. He was held in several detention centers in Florida and Louisiana for about two and a half months. During this time, Ambrocio lost 24 pounds and reported poor conditions, including limited access to medical care and harsh treatment.
On July 2, 2025, Ambrocio was among about 100 Guatemalan immigrants deported from New Orleans on a charter flight. Upon arrival in Guatemala, he received some reintegration resources and was allowed to contact his family, but he now faces the challenge of rebuilding his life in a country he left decades ago.
Family and Community Left Behind
Ambrocio’s wife, Marleny, and their five children—ages 12 to 19, all U.S. citizens—remain in Wimauma, Florida. The family is struggling to cope with his absence. Marleny has spoken openly about the emotional pain and financial hardship they now face. She worries about how to pay bills and support the children without her husband’s income and guidance.
The impact goes beyond the family. Ambrocio was the pastor of Iglesia de Santidad Vida Nueva, a small rural church with about 50 Hispanic members, most from Mexico and Central America. The congregation is now without its longtime leader, and the church’s future is uncertain. Members describe Ambrocio as a caring figure who helped many people in the community, not just through faith, but also by offering support and advice to those facing their own immigration challenges.
Why Was Maurilio Ambrocio Deported?
Ambrocio’s removal is tied to a complicated immigration history. He was first deported in 2006 after being arrested for driving without a license. Later, he re-entered the United States 🇺🇸 without legal permission. In 2012, he was again convicted of driving without a license. By January 2013, an immigration judge issued a final removal order against him. However, Ambrocio was granted a “stay of removal,” which meant he could stay in the country as long as he checked in with ICE each year and avoided further legal trouble.
For more than a decade, Ambrocio followed these rules. But under the current administration, led by President Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, immigration enforcement has become much stricter. ICE has set a target to arrest at least 3,000 migrants per day—over 1 million per year. Under “Operation Safeguard,” ICE has increased deportations and raids, targeting both criminal and non-criminal undocumented immigrants, including religious leaders and community figures like Ambrocio.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin explained that the agency is taking a tough stance on enforcement. While ICE offers $1,000 and travel assistance for those who leave the country voluntarily, officials warn that anyone who remains illegally will face removal. There are no exceptions for religious leaders or long-term residents with U.S. citizen children under current enforcement priorities.
Detention Conditions and Family Hardship
Ambrocio and his family have criticized the conditions in ICE detention centers. He reported losing weight and experiencing poor treatment, with limited access to medical care and basic needs. His family described the experience as inhumane and deeply traumatic.
The emotional toll on the family is severe. Marleny now faces the challenge of raising five children alone. The children, all born in the United States 🇺🇸, are struggling with the loss of their father and the uncertainty about their future. The family’s financial situation has also worsened, as Ambrocio was the main provider.
The church community is also feeling the loss. Members of Iglesia de Santidad Vida Nueva say they are unsure how to move forward without their pastor. Ambrocio was not only a spiritual leader but also a source of comfort and help for many in the congregation.
Legal and Policy Background
Ambrocio’s case is not unique. Many immigrants in the United States 🇺🇸 live under “stays of removal,” which allow them to remain in the country under supervision, provided they follow strict rules. These arrangements can be revoked at any time, especially if enforcement priorities change.
ICE reactivated Ambrocio’s 2013 removal order in April 2025, leading to his immediate detention and eventual deportation. According to ICE and the Department of Homeland Security, Ambrocio’s prior deportation and illegal re-entry left no room for discretion, even though he had no serious criminal history and had contributed positively to his community.
Upon arrival in Guatemala, Ambrocio received some resources to help him reintegrate, but after decades away, he faces many challenges. He has expressed hope of returning to the United States 🇺🇸 legally, but acknowledges that the process will be difficult and uncertain under current policies.
Community and Expert Reactions
Ambrocio’s deportation has sparked sorrow and frustration among his family, church members, and the wider immigrant community. Many see him as a positive role model who helped others and stayed out of trouble. They argue that current policies do not take into account humanitarian factors or the contributions of long-term residents and community leaders.
Faith leaders and immigrant advocates have called for reforms to allow greater discretion in deportation cases involving people like Ambrocio. They argue that the law should consider family unity, community ties, and the best interests of U.S. citizen children.
DHS and ICE officials, however, maintain that their focus is on upholding the law. They say that anyone with a prior removal order who re-enters the country illegally is subject to deportation, regardless of personal circumstances.
What Happens Next for Maurilio Ambrocio and His Family?
Ambrocio has said he wants to pursue legal avenues to return to his family in Florida. However, the process is expected to be long and difficult. Under current law, someone who has been deported after illegal re-entry faces a ban on returning to the United States 🇺🇸 for at least ten years, and must apply for special waivers or permissions to come back.
His family and supporters are exploring legal options, including seeking help from immigration attorneys and advocacy groups. They hope that public attention and community support might help their case, but there are no guarantees.
Practical Guidance for Families in Similar Situations
Families facing similar situations should:
- Consult with an accredited immigration attorney to understand their rights and options. Legal aid organizations can provide free or low-cost help.
- Stay informed about policy changes by checking official sources like the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website.
- Document all interactions with ICE and keep copies of all paperwork, including any “stay of removal” forms or removal orders.
- Seek support from community organizations and faith groups, which can offer emotional and practical help during difficult times.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Name: Maurilio Ambrocio
- Age: 42
- Family: Wife (Marleny), five children (ages 12–19, all U.S. citizens)
- Church: Iglesia de Santidad Vida Nueva, Wimauma, FL (about 50 members)
- Detention Start: April 17, 2025
- Deportation Date: July 2, 2025
- Reason for Deportation: Prior removal (2006), illegal re-entry, final removal order (2013)
- Detention Duration: About 2.5 months
- Current Status: In Guatemala, seeking legal path to return
- Policy Context: Increased enforcement, no humanitarian relief for long-term residents
- Key Stakeholders: Ambrocio family, ICE/DHS, church community, faith/immigrant advocates
Policy Context: Operation Safeguard and Enforcement Priorities
The current administration’s approach to immigration enforcement has changed the landscape for many long-term residents. Under President Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem, ICE has ramped up arrests and deportations, with a goal of at least 3,000 arrests per day. Operation Safeguard targets both criminal and non-criminal undocumented immigrants, including those with deep community ties.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin has stated that the agency will continue to enforce the law strictly. While voluntary departure is encouraged with some financial assistance, those who remain without legal status face removal. There are no exceptions for religious leaders, parents of U.S. citizen children, or long-term residents.
No Humanitarian Relief for Religious Leaders or Long-Term Residents
Unlike some past policies that allowed for discretion in certain cases, current enforcement priorities do not provide humanitarian relief for religious leaders or people with U.S. citizen children. This means that even those who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for decades, contributed to their communities, and have no serious criminal history can still be deported if they have a prior removal order.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this strict approach has led to increased anxiety among immigrant families and faith communities. Many worry that more community leaders and long-term residents will face similar fates.
Community Advocacy and Calls for Reform
Faith and immigrant advocacy groups continue to push for changes to immigration laws and enforcement priorities. They argue that the current system does not consider the full picture of a person’s life, including their contributions to society and the impact on U.S. citizen children.
Advocates are calling for:
- Greater discretion in deportation cases involving long-term residents and community leaders
- Humanitarian relief options for parents of U.S. citizen children
- Improved detention conditions and oversight of ICE facilities
- Pathways to legal status for those who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for many years and have strong community ties
What Can Affected Families Do?
If you or someone you know is facing a similar situation, here are some steps to consider:
- Contact an immigration attorney as soon as possible. Legal advice is critical in these cases.
- Reach out to local advocacy groups for support and resources.
- Stay informed about your rights and any changes in immigration policy.
- Document your case thoroughly, including all interactions with ICE and any paperwork received.
- Consider public advocacy if appropriate, as community support can sometimes help bring attention to individual cases.
Official Resources and Contacts
For more information on immigration enforcement, case status, or legal options, visit the official ICE website. Families can also contact the Tampa field office for case-specific questions. The Department of Homeland Security website provides updates on policy and enforcement priorities.
Legal aid organizations and accredited attorneys can help families understand their options and navigate the complex immigration system. It’s important to seek help from trusted sources and avoid scams or unlicensed “consultants.”
Looking Ahead: The Future for Maurilio Ambrocio and Others
Maurilio Ambrocio’s deportation to Guatemala is a painful example of how current immigration policies affect real people and families. His wife and children in Wimauma, Florida, now face an uncertain future without him. The church community he led is left without its pastor, and the wider immigrant community is left with more questions than answers.
Ambrocio hopes to find a legal way to return to the United States 🇺🇸 and reunite with his family, but the road ahead is long and uncertain. For now, his story serves as a reminder of the human cost of immigration enforcement and the need for policies that balance the law with compassion and common sense.
Families in similar situations should seek legal help, stay informed, and connect with community resources. Advocacy for policy change continues, but for many, the immediate focus is on keeping families together and supporting those left behind.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, responsible for immigration enforcement and detention.
Removal Order → A legal order requiring an immigrant to leave the United States.
Stay of Removal → Temporary permission allowing a deportable person to remain in the U.S. under supervision.
Operation Safeguard → An aggressive ICE enforcement initiative targeting undocumented immigrants daily.
Deportation → The official removal of a person from one country to another for legal reasons.
This Article in a Nutshell
Maurilio Ambrocio, deported after decades in the US, faced harsh detention before removal. His family and church community in Florida suffer deeply. This case highlights strict immigration enforcement under current policies and the challenges facing long-term residents with community ties and no serious criminal history.
— By VisaVerge.com
