The Struggle of Erick Hernandez: A Journey from Hope to Uncertainty

On June 1, Erick Hernandez, a 34-year-old resident of Los Angeles, embarked on a routine drive to San Ysidro border with two passengers. Unfortunately, he missed an exit on the highway, inadvertently crossing into Mexico. As he later noted in a statement, “It was completely an accident.” 🚗

The Consequences of a Split-Second Mistake

Erick’s lawyer, Valerie Sigamani, explained that at that moment, he lost everything. Under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, individuals are not allowed to leave the U.S. without prior approval. Unfortunately, when Erick attempted to clarify the misunderstanding to border officials, his pleas went unheard.

Worse yet, Erick’s attorney claimed that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials even solicited a bribe from her client in exchange for his return to the United States. “One officer told him, ‘If you pay us $800, we’ll let you go back without any issues,’” Sigamani recounted, but at that time, Erick didn’t have enough cash on hand.

Detention and Heartbreak

Following this incident, Erick was detained by immigration authorities and is currently facing expedited removal proceedings, which means he is being held without bail and is subject to immediate deportation. He is now lodged at the Otay Mesa Detention Center.

A Life Built on Love and Family

Erick’s journey to the U.S. began when he was just 14, brought by his parents from El Salvador. Today, his parents have achieved legal status, while he married U.S. citizen Nancy Rivera last fall and was in the process of adjusting his status.

Nancy reminisces about how they met during the COVID-19 pandemic. She needed someone to drive her children to school, and a friend introduced her to Erick. “He was always there for us, like the head of the household, which is what made me fall in love with him. Since he arrived, everything has gotten better,” Nancy shared. Together, they’ve welcomed a daughter and are expecting their second child in August. 🍼

Facing Fear and Uncertainty

Before his detention, Erick lived in East Los Angeles with Nancy, their children, and his parents. He worked alongside his father in air conditioning repair and occasionally drove for rideshare services to make ends meet. Now, his family faces the terrifying prospect of him returning to a country where he no longer has a home. “He is scared to go back to El Salvador, where he basically has never lived,” said his lawyer.

In an emotional interview, Erick’s parents expressed their devastation, describing their son’s situation as a nightmare. They left El Salvador years ago due to corruption and violence; thus, they fear for Erick’s safety if he were to be deported. Nancy echoed their sentiments, stating, “I worry every day about how I will manage if he gets deported.” She is pregnant and caring for their young children while continuing her full-time job. “He is my most important support. Everything changed in an instant because of one wrong turn.” 😢

A Call for Justice

The situation of Erick Hernandez highlights the complexities and vulnerabilities faced by many DACA recipients in the U.S. As his family navigates this uncertain path, the hope remains that awareness and advocacy can lead to a resolution that allows them to remain together. 💖

Conclusion

Erick’s story serves as a reminder of the often unseen struggles that many immigrant families face. It underscores the importance of community support and highlights the need for reform in immigration policy that protects individuals from such heart-wrenching situations. As they await answers, we can only hope for a favorable resolution for Erick and his family.