Venezuelan Finds Safety in Spain Amidst US Immigration Fears

Mariángel Carrillo left Florida for Madrid after new Trump-era immigration policies left her feeling unsafe.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:08pm

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Mariángel Carrillo, a Venezuelan national, lived in Weston, Florida for seven years before deciding to relocate to Madrid, Spain in September 2025 due to growing concerns over the Trump administration's new immigration policies and ICE operations. Carrillo felt targeted and unsafe as a Hispanic immigrant in the US, leading her to obtain a digital nomad visa and start a new life in Spain, where she says she has regained a sense of security and tranquility.

Why it matters

Carrillo's story highlights the significant impact that shifting immigration policies can have on individuals and communities, potentially leading to secondary migration as people seek safer and more welcoming environments. As immigration policies continue to evolve, factors like personal safety, community acceptance, and access to legal pathways will likely be key in influencing where people choose to make their homes.

The details

After living in Weston, Florida for seven years, Carrillo became increasingly fearful due to the new immigration policies implemented under the Trump administration's second term and the ongoing operations of ICE. She tried to lower her profile by changing her car and removing religious imagery, but ultimately decided to leave the US altogether. Carrillo obtained a digital nomad visa and relocated to Madrid, Spain in September 2025, where she says she has regained a sense of security and tranquility that was lacking in the US.

  • Carrillo lived in Weston, Florida for seven years before relocating to Spain in September 2025.
  • The new immigration policies that prompted Carrillo's move were implemented at the start of Donald Trump's second term in 2025.

The players

Mariángel Carrillo

A Venezuelan national who lived in Weston, Florida for seven years before relocating to Madrid, Spain in September 2025 due to concerns over new US immigration policies.

Donald Trump

The former US president whose second term in office saw the implementation of new immigration policies that caused Carrillo to feel unsafe and leave the country.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The US government agency whose ongoing operations contributed to Carrillo's fears and decision to relocate to Spain.

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What they’re saying

“They want to build us believe that they only pursue people who do harm or are illegal, and that is not the case.”

— Mariángel Carrillo

“I do not agree with what is happening. We are people who want the country where we are to shine, because that makes us shine too.”

— Mariángel Carrillo

“Leaving your country to start a new life, at a certain age, is already tricky. If they help you, if they grant you a hand, if they make it easier for you, it will always be appreciated.”

— Mariángel Carrillo

The takeaway

Carrillo's story demonstrates how shifting immigration policies can have profound impacts on individuals, leading them to seek safer and more welcoming environments even if it means leaving their established homes. As immigration continues to be a contentious political issue, policymakers would do well to consider the human consequences of their decisions and work to create policies that balance security concerns with compassion for those seeking a better life.