A family in Queens is facing emotional and financial turmoil after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained father Jorge Supliguicha just days before the birth of his daughter, Maite Cristina. His wife, Jessica Supliguicha, is now left to care for their newborn and her nine-year-old son, Dylan, while grappling with the absence of her husband, who has been deported to Ecuador.
Jessica sat in their Queens apartment, holding her month-old baby, when the weight of her circumstances became overwhelming. Jorge was apprehended by ICE on September 6, 2023, a day that would change their lives forever. He had been detained while Jessica waited for him outside, eight months pregnant. Despite hopes of reuniting, their plans unraveled when Jorge was taken into custody and subsequently deported three days before Maite’s birth on October 5, 2023.
As Jessica navigates her daily life, she tries to maintain a sense of normalcy for her children. Dylan, excited about his upcoming Halloween dance at school, attempts to bring joy into their home by donning his costume and playing with their pet cat. Yet, the shadows of sadness linger, reminding them of the father figure who is now absent.
Jessica reflected on how Jorge became a father to Dylan from a previous relationship, providing the stability and love that Dylan desperately needed. “He was my son’s father in every way that mattered,” Jessica shared. Now, with Jorge gone, Dylan copes with the loss, finding solace in his cat, which he considers his only friend.
The couple’s relationship has deep roots, having known each other since their teenage years. They rekindled their romance in 2023, drawn together by shared experiences and the violence in their native Ecuador. Jessica became a U.S. citizen that same year after living in the country for a decade, while Jorge fled to the U.S. following the murder of his brother by a gang.
Jessica described Jorge’s attempts to regularize his immigration status, including wearing an ankle monitor after their wedding. Unfortunately, shortly after their marriage, he received a court summons that led to his detention. Since that day, Jessica has not seen him, and the uncertainty weighs heavily on her.
The emotional toll has been profound, particularly as Jessica navigates the complexities of new motherhood without her partner. “She was a girl that I was going to lose from the beginning. She overcame many things. But, I never thought that at eight months she would also have to overcome the absence of her father,” Jessica said tearfully.
Currently, Jorge is hiding in Ecuador, fearing for his life amidst ongoing violence. Jessica worries about his safety, knowing that he is in a precarious situation. “He couldn’t prove here with facts that he was in danger. Right now, he is in danger. He’s always hiding,” she explained, highlighting the grim reality for many families affected by immigration policies.
Jessica is now faced with the challenge of providing for her family alone. She plans to return to work in three weeks, driven by the urgent need to pay rent and support her children. Despite her struggles, she remains hopeful for a future where her family can be reunited. “All I can do is move forward and find a way to do things the way they’re supposed to be. Hoping that the paperwork will one day be approved,” she stated.
As the family awaits the approval of the I-130 form, which would allow Jorge to return to the U.S., Jessica urges for compassion in the immigration system. “Experiencing family separation is awful. My daughter is very young; she can’t understand, but there are older children who can,” she said, expressing a desire for policy changes that would prevent such heart-wrenching separations.
The story of Jessica and Jorge Supliguicha reflects the broader issues of immigration and family separation, highlighting the human impact of policies that affect countless families across the nation. As Jessica continues to care for her children, her hope for a brighter future remains a guiding light amidst the darkness of their current reality.