Human Impact Project

Jeferson Escalona, 19, a former Venezuelan police officer, was arrested by local Texas police in January 2025 for evading arrest and later detained by ICE. He was transferred through Guantanamo Bay to the Bluebonnet detention center, with DHS alleging gang ties based on hand gesture photos without evidence; Escalona denied the claims and sought voluntary return to Venezuela, which was denied. In late March 2025, he was among 17 Venezuelan men deported to El Salvador's CECOT prison, a move that occurred two days after a federal judge issued an order barring deportations of migrants to third countries without notice or a chance to contest removal. His attorney, with the ACLU, raised concerns about the government's allegations and said he was denied due process to challenge them before deportation.

Leonela Marquez started a GoFundMe campaign in January 2025 after her husband, Mario Eduardo Fajardo Aviles, was detained by ICE. She described facing financial hardship including inability to pay rent, buy food, and afford diapers and formula, while also needing to pay thousands in legal fees. The case is one of hundreds of habeas corpus petitions moving through Pittsburgh's federal courthouse, driven by the presence of the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Clearfield County.

Immigration agents raided a family home in rural Donna, Texas, in January, arresting Julio Orosco and Lucero Garza, who had been living in the country without authorization. Garza was deported to Mexico while Orosco remains in custody. Their six children, ages 11 to 22, have had to assume caretaking and financial responsibilities, with 22-year-old Andrea taking on the role of head of household. Older siblings have set aside plans for college and marriage to work and support the family, while younger siblings have taken on farm chores and have shown signs of withdrawal.