Ismael Ayuzo Sandoval had lived in the U.S. for over 20 years, earning a reputation as one of the best-known restaurateurs in Staunton. His established eatery, Caldera Bar & Grill, has supported local community activities since opening. The father of two had been living peacefully with his daughters until an ICE encounter changed their lives forever. The 41-year-old had just dropped off his daughters at school and was only a few blocks away when federal agents appeared without warning and detained him on October 29, 2025.
The incident quickly spread across social media. It sparked immediate fear and uncertainty for his family, especially given that he had two minor daughters under his care. The two girls, however, are U.S. citizens, unlike their father. Upon his arrest, Ayuzo was transferred to Greene County Jail in Springfield, Missouri. An officer rejected his concerns as a parent of minors, a decision later upheld by an immigration judge. As of now, the businessman is set to be deported back to Mexico, a place he fears and left decades ago.
According to Ismael Ayuzo Sandoval’s defense attorney, Marleen Suarez, the businessman fears returning to his native country because of cartel violence. He has said that his cousin was murdered by drug traffickers, which he fears could happen to him and his children as well. The attorney argued that her client apprehends physical harm from these perpetrators, commonly referred to as narcos or cartel members in Mexico…