The Daily Family Separation 2.0: An Update
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Dec 30, 2025 
Jessica Cheung, a senior producer at The New York Times, and Isla Gomez, the daughter of a deported immigrant, share a poignant perspective on family separation. They recount Isla's father's journey from Brazil to becoming a beloved family figure, only to be detained during a routine ICE check-in. Isla opens up about the emotional toll of her father's deportation, their close bond, and fears for their future. The conversation highlights the harsh realities of immigration enforcement and the impact on families, calling for empathy and understanding.
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From Immigrant Handyman To Small-Business Owner
- Isla describes her father Fabricio's journey from Brazil to building a construction business in Massachusetts.
- She explains how he checked in with ICE for years while applying for a visa and kept working without a criminal record.
Detained After A Routine Check-In
- Fabricio was detained after a routine ICE check-in and held at Plymouth County before being moved.
- Isla recounts daily phone calls, his Bible study, and the strain of not visiting him in person.
Policy Shift Targets Long-Settled Immigrants
- ICE enforced an order of removal and transferred Fabricio 1,600 miles to a harsher facility in Louisiana.
- Long-distance transfers and enforcement of decades-old cases reflect a shift toward targeting long-settled immigrants.