A father from Queens, Manuel Mejia Hernandez, has been released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody just in time to celebrate Christmas and his daughter’s first birthday. Hernandez was detained for several months following a routine check-in with immigration authorities on October 22, 2025. His release on December 5, 2025, marked a bittersweet reunion with his wife, Alexandra Alvarez, and their daughter, Mia, at LaGuardia Airport.
Alvarez stood anxiously on the second floor of the airport, cradling Mia in her arms as the clock approached midnight. Mia was on the verge of turning one, and Alvarez was desperate for a glimpse of her husband. After enduring an arduous journey through various detention centers, Hernandez finally emerged from the escalator, wearing the same clothes he had on the day of his detention.
Upon seeing Hernandez, Mia initially did not recognize her father, having been separated from him for so long. However, he quickly scooped her up and embraced Alvarez in an emotional reunion, set against the backdrop of the airport’s Christmas tree. “I feel a weight has been lifted. It’s like I am not carrying a burden anymore,” Alvarez expressed, highlighting her gratitude for their unexpected reunion.
Hernandez’s experience in detention was harrowing. He described being shackled and transferred under harsh conditions, with minimal food and care. “They put us in shackles and transferred us to El Paso, Texas. During that trip, they tightened the handcuffs on my ankles too much. My ankles hurt. They even kicked me,” he recounted. Despite these challenges, he found solace in reading the Bible with fellow detainees, praying for a return home in time for his daughter’s first birthday.
The couple, originally from Ecuador, had fled their home country after Hernandez faced threats for attempting to steer youth away from drug dealing. Alvarez recalled the dangers of speaking out, which put their family at risk. Throughout Hernandez’s detention, Alvarez managed to care for Mia while advocating for her husband’s release, facing emotional and financial strain alone.
With Hernandez finally home, the family prepared to celebrate Mia’s birthday the following day, December 6. They decorated their apartment with balloons and a bright pink cake, transforming their home into a space of joy and hope. Family members gathered to sing and celebrate both the birthday and the reunion, creating lasting memories for Mia, who will hear about this special occasion for years to come.
As they celebrated, Hernandez’s ankle monitor served as a reminder of the uncertain future they face. The family expressed their gratitude to Father Fabian Arias of Saint Peter’s Church, Congressman Dan Goldman’s office, and their legal team for their support in securing Hernandez’s release.
Amidst their joy, Hernandez shared his hopes for a peaceful future, stating, “Ten years working here, being able to retire and provide my daughter with her own – the same for my wife. To continue. To live peacefully. A peaceful life as I’ve always had.”
The family’s reunion is a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by many immigrants seeking safety and a better life. As they blow out the candles on Mia’s birthday cake, their wish remains clear: to be allowed to stay together and never face separation again.
