A woman in Ogden, Utah, is grappling with uncertainty as her husband, Luis Zarate, faces potential deportation to Mexico. Arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on December 2, Zarate’s detainment has left his wife, Chantell Zarate, and their four U.S.-born children in a state of distress. “We’re kind of stressing,” she expressed, highlighting the emotional toll on their family.
Challenges of Deportation and Family Separation
Chantell, an American citizen, is now faced with difficult decisions regarding her family’s future. The couple has children aged between 13 and 19 years, and Chantell fears that her choices could lead to further family division. “We have to decide if we’re going to go out there or stay out here or if I go or stay. But either way, I’m ripping apart my family,” she stated, emphasizing the heart-wrenching nature of their situation.
Since her husband’s arrest, Chantell has sought legal advice but has received little encouragement. Her attorney indicated that the current immigration laws offer limited options for her husband. “He basically told me that he didn’t think they could do anything. There’s nothing they could do because of the way the laws are set in stone,” she recounted, underscoring the restrictive nature of the legal framework surrounding immigration.
Luis Zarate, now 38, originally immigrated to the United States illegally in his early teens. He was deported in 2006 after a conviction for forgery, a third-degree felony, but returned to the U.S. subsequently. ICE officials labeled him as “a criminal alien from Mexico who has previously been removed from the U.S.,” further complicating his current legal standing.
The Impact of Immigration Policies
Chantell’s experience sheds light on the broader implications of strict immigration enforcement. She hopes that by sharing her story, the public can better understand the challenges faced by families in similar situations. “I hope people would see what it’s really like and how hard it is, and then it would hopefully change minds,” she remarked, reflecting on the harsh realities many endure amid heightened immigration crackdowns.
The ongoing policies surrounding illegal immigration have been a focal point in U.S. politics, particularly under the previous administration led by former President Donald Trump. His administration prioritized the detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants, which many argue poses risks to public safety and strains public resources.
As Chantell navigates this challenging period, she remains committed to advocating for her family’s well-being and raising awareness about the human impact of immigration laws. With her husband currently held in the Davis County Jail in Farmington, the uncertainty looms large, not just for her but for many families caught in similar predicaments.
