In Ogden, Utah, Chantell Zarate grapples with an uncertain future as her husband, Luis Zarate, remains detained and faces the possibility of deportation to Mexico. The couple’s situation escalated on December 2, 2023, when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials arrested him, leaving Chantell in a state of distress about their family’s future.
“We’re kind of stressing,” Chantell expressed, highlighting the emotional turmoil she faces. With four children of their own, aged between 13 and 19, and two older children from a previous relationship, the decision about whether to stay in the U.S. or consider moving to Mexico weighs heavily on her. “Either way, I’m ripping apart my family,” she added.
Legal Challenges and Public Perception
Since Luis’s arrest, Chantell has sought legal advice but has received little reassurance from her attorney. “The lawyer basically told me that he didn’t think they could do anything. There’s nothing they could do because of the way the laws are set in stone,” she said. This harsh reality is compounded by the broader climate surrounding immigration policy under the Trump administration, which has emphasized strict enforcement measures.
Chantell hopes that by sharing her story, she can shed light on the human impact of stringent immigration laws. “I hope people would see what it’s really like and how hard it is, and then it would hopefully change minds,” she remarked. Her husband, now 38 years old, initially immigrated to the U.S. illegally at the age of 14. After being deported in 2006, he returned to the country, leading to his latest apprehension.
Recognizing the divisive public opinion on illegal immigration, Chantell acknowledged that many people may lack sympathy for individuals who have broken the law. An ICE official characterized Luis as “a criminal alien from Mexico who has previously been removed from the U.S.,” referencing a past conviction in Weber County for forgery, a third-degree felony. Despite this, Chantell contends that the current U.S. immigration system does not facilitate legal entry for many aspiring immigrants.
Emotional Toll and Family Dynamics
As of now, Luis is being held at the Davis County Jail in Farmington, Utah, while Chantell navigates this challenging period. The emotional toll on their family is profound, as they face the potential disintegration of their household. With her husband’s future uncertain, Chantell is left to manage the day-to-day realities of parenting and family responsibilities alone.
This situation not only highlights the personal struggles faced by families entangled in immigration issues but also reflects the broader implications of current U.S. immigration policies. As Chantell continues to advocate for her husband, she remains hopeful for a change in public perception and a more humane approach to immigration reform.
