Additional Coverage:
- My 3 adopted daughters’ dad is in prison. I take them to visit him and am surprised by how much we’ve all connected. (businessinsider.com)
A Local Mom’s Heartbreak: Father’s Reunion with Daughters Cut Short by Deportation Threat
A local family is facing an unimaginable heartbreak. After years of fostering and then adopting three sisters, a local mother facilitated a heartwarming reunion between the girls and their incarcerated biological father. Just as the family began to dream of a future together, a looming deportation threat has shattered their hopes.
The father, known to the family as “Papa,” has been in prison since before his youngest daughter was born. Despite the circumstances, the adoptive mother maintained contact between the girls and their father through letters, phone calls, and eventually, in-person visits. She was deeply impressed by Papa’s gentle nature and his dedication to his daughters, even including their adopted half-brother in his affections.
During visits, Papa played games with the girls, offered advice, and supported them through difficult times. He worked towards earning his GED and certifications in various trades, hoping to become a counselor for men like himself upon release.
He even earned the respect of prison guards, who went out of their way to accommodate the family during visits. His good behavior led to a significantly reduced sentence, with a release date set for February 6, 2025.
The family eagerly anticipated Papa’s return, making plans for him to attend school events, basketball games, and Sunday dinners. But just weeks before his scheduled release, ICE issued a warrant for his detention and deportation, reversing a previous decision.
Now, the family is desperately trying to navigate the complex immigration system. An appeal to reopen his asylum case has been denied, and the mother is struggling to find legal representation amidst a surge in immigration cases. While she remains determined to fight for Papa, she acknowledges the pain this situation has caused, questioning whether the reunion she orchestrated ultimately made things worse for him.
Despite the uncertainty, the mother remains steadfast in her support for her daughters and Papa, encouraging them to stay brave during this incredibly difficult time. She clings to the memory of the unexpected joy their initial contact brought, hoping for a miracle that will allow their family to remain whole.