The family of Jessica Supliguicha in Queens, New York, is grappling with emotional and financial turmoil after her husband, Jorge Supliguicha, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on September 6, 2023. Just three days before the birth of their daughter, Maite Cristina, Jorge was deported to Ecuador, leaving Jessica to navigate the challenges of motherhood alone.
Jessica, an Ecuadorian native, sat in her Queens apartment, cradling her month-old baby while reflecting on the absence of Jorge, who never had the chance to meet his newborn daughter. The emotional weight of his departure was evident as she mourned the loss of their family unit. “It’s been overwhelming, and I’m struggling to find the strength to survive,” Jessica shared, describing the deep sorrow that permeates her home.
As Jessica cared for Maite Cristina, her nine-year-old son, Dylan, approached and offered comfort. Jorge had been a father figure to Dylan, who is now facing the void left by his absence. The family had been preparing for a joyful Halloween, but the atmosphere is tinged with sadness, as Jorge’s deportation cast a long shadow over their lives.
Jorge Supliguicha had been attempting to resolve his immigration status after marrying Jessica, a U.S. citizen, earlier in 2023. After years of fleeing violence in Ecuador, where his brother was killed by gang members, Jorge was hopeful for a brighter future. He had complied with court orders, but was caught off guard when he was taken into custody during a routine appearance. Jessica had been waiting outside, anxiously anticipating their reunion, when she received the devastating news.
The couple’s relationship had blossomed after reconnecting two decades later, both having experienced their share of life’s challenges. They had long shared a bond, but their love deepened after they discovered each other’s struggles and the fear of violence in Ecuador. “We were two friends who finally found the right time to be together,” Jessica recalled.
Following Jorge’s deportation, Jessica faced not only the emotional toll but also the financial strain of single parenthood. With limited options and a looming rent payment, she plans to return to work in three weeks to support her family. The burden of providing for her children while missing her partner is a heavy one. “I need to find a way to keep us afloat,” she explained.
Jessica’s fears extend beyond financial stability; she worries for Jorge’s safety in Ecuador, where violence remains prevalent. Having received threats due to his family’s past with gang violence, he is currently in hiding. “He couldn’t prove he was in danger here, but he is constantly living in fear now,” she said, emphasizing the precarious situation he faces.
The couple is awaiting approval of the I-130 form, a petition that would allow Jorge to return to the U.S. and reunite with his family. Until then, Jessica clings to hope, wishing for a future where her daughter can grow up with her father. “Experiencing family separation is awful. I want my children to grow up knowing their father,” she lamented.
Despite the challenges, Jessica remains determined to move forward. “All I can do is find a way to do things the way they’re supposed to be,” she stated, embodying the resilience required to face her family’s uncertain future. The emotional and financial struggles of this Queens family highlight broader issues surrounding immigration policies and the human impact of family separation.
