Texas Mom Faces Hardship as Husband Detained by ICE

Family struggles with legal costs and loss of income as father remains in immigration detention

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A Mexican immigrant in Texas is facing significant financial and emotional challenges after her husband was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) five months ago. She is now solely responsible for providing for their three children and covering the mounting legal fees associated with his case, while also navigating the complexities of his immigration proceedings.

Why it matters

This case reflects a broader trend of families being torn apart by ICE detentions, with the financial strain, emotional distress, and uncertainty surrounding the future being common themes. It highlights the human cost of immigration enforcement and the challenges faced by those navigating the U.S. immigration system.

The details

The woman, originally from Coahuila, Mexico, has taken on the responsibility of providing for the family while her husband is detained in an ICE facility. She estimates she has spent between $5,000 and $6,000 on legal representation, video calls, and provisions for her husband, in addition to the loss of his income. The family's only contact with their father is through brief video calls from the detention center, which add to the financial strain.

  • The husband was detained by ICE in September 2025.
  • One of the couple's daughters is scheduled to graduate in May 2026, but her father will be unable to attend the ceremony due to his detention.

The players

The Woman

A Mexican immigrant in Texas who is the wife of the detained husband and the mother of their three children.

The Husband

A Mexican immigrant who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) five months ago and is currently being held in an ICE detention center.

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What they’re saying

“It's very difficult because I have to gather money to be able to get him out. I have to send him money so he can talk to me. The calls are very expensive, they weren't before, but now they are. Dividing $1,400 for rent among the bills, the phone lines... before, for me, it was, well, I'm going to call my daughters, but now it's for his call.”

— The Woman (N+ Univision 41)

“It was difficult for me, and everything went blurry. I even wanted to die, to be honest, because my husband is the pillar of everything.”

— The Woman (N+ Univision 41)

What’s next

The family is continuing to navigate the legal process and seek assistance to secure the husband's release from ICE detention.

The takeaway

This case highlights the significant emotional and financial toll that ICE detentions can have on families, underscoring the need for a more compassionate and humane approach to immigration enforcement that prioritizes the well-being of families and communities.