UPDATE: In a heartwarming turn of events, Queens father Manuel Mejia Hernandez has been released from ICE custody just in time to celebrate Christmas and his daughter Mia’s first birthday. After enduring months of detention, Hernandez arrived at LaGuardia Airport on December 5, 2023, for a tearful reunion with his family.
The moment was filled with tension and anticipation as Alexandra Alvarez anxiously awaited her husband’s arrival. Just minutes before midnight, with baby Mia in her arms, she spotted Hernandez descending the escalator. The emotional reunion unfolded against the backdrop of the airport’s Christmas tree, where Hernandez rushed to kiss Mia, who, unfortunately, did not recognize her father after his long absence.
“I feel a weight has been lifted. It’s like I am not carrying a burden anymore,” Alvarez expressed, overwhelmed with gratitude. “I’m so grateful to God and for everything that has happened.”
Hernandez, who was detained on October 22, shared the harrowing details of his experience. He was taken from a routine immigration check-in to an Arizona detention center, where he was shackled and treated poorly. “They put us in shackles and transferred us to El Paso, Texas,” he recounted. “They even kicked me.”
Despite the conditions, Hernandez remained hopeful, praying nightly for his release. “Every night I prayed,” he said, wishing for the chance to be with his daughter on her special day.
The family faced significant challenges during Hernandez’s absence. They fled Ecuador due to threats related to Hernandez’s efforts to steer youth away from drug dealing. Alvarez described the fear they lived with, stating, “You have to keep quiet because it’s worse to say that you know who they are because that costs your life.”
Now, with Hernandez back home, the mood shifted dramatically. The couple prepared to celebrate Mia’s first birthday on December 6, a day filled with love and laughter. Family members gathered, transforming their home into a festive space adorned with balloons and a bright pink birthday cake.
As they celebrated, Hernandez’s ankle monitor served as a stark reminder of their uncertain future. Still, the family focused on joy, sharing a plate of ceviche and blowing out birthday candles, each wishing for the same miracle: stability and togetherness.
“This is just the beginning,” Hernandez said, expressing his hope for a peaceful life for his family. “To live peacefully. A peaceful life as I’ve always had.”
The family extends their gratitude to those who supported them during this challenging journey, including Congressman Dan Goldman’s office and their legal team. As they look forward to a brighter future, their story highlights the ongoing struggles many families face within the immigration system.
This developing story serves as a poignant reminder of the human impact behind immigration policies and the resilience of families striving to stay together.
