Dallas Family Struggles After Mother Seeking Asylum Detained by ICE

Norma's daughter, Mayra Bonilla Garcia, was detained during a routine check-in, leaving her children in the care of their grandmother.

Feb. 2, 2026 at 6:31am

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A Dallas family is facing significant financial and emotional challenges after the mother, Mayra Bonilla Garcia, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a routine check-in in October 2025. Bonilla Garcia was seeking asylum in the U.S. after fleeing Honduras due to domestic violence, but her asylum request was recently denied, and an order of removal was issued. Her children, Mateo and Marlon, are now being cared for by their grandmother, Norma, who is struggling to make ends meet and cope with the emotional toll on the family.

Why it matters

This case highlights the human impact of the U.S. immigration enforcement system, particularly on families and children. It raises questions about the fairness and effectiveness of the asylum process, as well as the emotional and financial consequences for those left behind when a parent is detained or deported.

The details

Bonilla Garcia was granted a work permit after fleeing Honduras in 2023, but she was still seeking asylum in the U.S. when she was detained by ICE during a routine check-in. Her attorney, Jessica Peréz-Salazar, said Bonilla Garcia had a pending asylum case, a valid work permit, and no criminal record, but an ICE spokesperson claimed she entered the U.S. illegally. Bonilla Garcia's asylum request was recently denied, and an order of removal was issued. Her family is now facing uncertainty, with Norma caring for her grandsons and struggling to make ends meet.

  • Bonilla Garcia was granted a work permit after fleeing Honduras in 2023.
  • Bonilla Garcia was detained by ICE during a routine check-in in October 2025.
  • Bonilla Garcia's asylum request was recently denied, and an order of removal was issued.

The players

Norma

The grandmother of Mateo and Marlon, who is now caring for her grandsons after her daughter, Mayra Bonilla Garcia, was detained by ICE.

Mayra Bonilla Garcia

Norma's daughter, who was detained by ICE during a routine check-in in October 2025 while seeking asylum in the U.S. after fleeing domestic violence in Honduras.

Mateo and Marlon

Norma's grandsons, who are struggling emotionally and financially since their mother, Mayra Bonilla Garcia, was detained by ICE.

Jessica Peréz-Salazar

Bonilla Garcia's attorney, who said her client had a pending asylum case, a valid work permit, and no criminal record when she was detained.

Luis Zayas

A University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Provost who specializes in the social work and psychology of immigrant communities, and who commented on the emotional and psychological toll on children in these situations.

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What they’re saying

“If she doesn't get out, what am I going to do with the kids? It's a big responsibility. They are sad. He (Mateo) has lost a lot of weight. He really doesn't eat anymore.”

— Norma

“She told me everything is OK and that she will get out soon.”

— Marlon

“When they detain people, ICE doesn't think about who is left behind, who is going to suffer, or how they are going to survive.”

— Norma

“If you love children and you know the importance of sound parenting and, you know, consistent, predictable environments, you know how important that is to a child's well-being. We have to think about that. When we disrupt that, we are disrupting a child's trajectory.”

— Luis Zayas, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Provost

“I miss the food she makes.”

— Mateo

What’s next

Bonilla Garcia's attorney, Jessica Peréz-Salazar, said they are planning to file an appeal to avoid deportation. The family has also set up a GoFundMe account to help support the boys financially and to help with legal fees.

The takeaway

This case highlights the significant emotional and financial toll that immigration enforcement can have on families, particularly children. It raises questions about the fairness and effectiveness of the asylum process and the need for a more humane and compassionate approach to immigration policy that considers the well-being of all those affected.