The stringent immigration policies under the second term of U.S. President Donald Trump are driving numerous immigrant families in Florida to take drastic steps. Many are choosing to relinquish legal custody of their children to trusted friends or activists, fearing detention and deportation. This reality was highlighted in a recent report by NTN24.
Since his second term began on January 20, 2025, Trump's administration has implemented harsh immigration measures characterized by widespread deportations and increased restrictions on foreign entry. These actions have instilled fear in immigrant communities across states like Florida. In response, a growing number of undocumented parents are turning to temporary guardianship arrangements to secure the futures of their children born or raised in the United States.
The report by NTN24 features the story of Rosa, a 32-year-old Guatemalan immigrant living in Florida. After immigration authorities arrested her husband, Rosa found herself solely responsible for their two children. Terrified at the prospect of being detained and leaving her children without support, she decided to grant custody to a veteran human rights activist in Miami.
"I work less and live in fear of not returning home to my kids. It's hard to explain it to them. My son waits for his dad, and when he doesn't come, he gets sad," Rosa shared, illustrating the emotional toll the immigration crackdown is taking on thousands of families. Her story is just one of many unfolding in various Florida counties, where U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations have intensified in recent months.
The Role of Activists in Custody Arrangements
A pivotal figure in these family survival strategies is Nora Sandigo, a Nicaraguan-born activist who is now a U.S. citizen. For over 15 years, through her Miami-based foundation, Sandigo has legally assumed guardianship for children of immigrants. She has become a beacon of hope for parents fearing deportation, ensuring their children do not end up in the state foster care system.
The report reveals that Sandigo currently acts as a guardian to nearly 350 U.S.-born children and 137 foreign-born minors. In total, she has legally represented over 2,000 children, some of whom have lived with her and her daughters for extended periods following their parents' deportation, highlighting the vulnerability these children face.
Sandigo mentions receiving daily calls from desperate parents seeking assistance with guardianship documents and contingency plans in case of sudden detention. She notes a surge in requests since the new administration's arrival, particularly among workers in agriculture, hospitality, and construction, sectors heavily reliant on immigrant labor.
"The administration's rhetoric of persecution generates terror among immigrants and enormous distress in children. It's truly chilling," Sandigo told the media. She warns that current immigration policies could inflict profound emotional harm and foster lasting resentment in a generation of children growing up under the fear of losing their parents.
Temporary Guardianship: A Measure of Stability
Many families are utilizing temporary guardianship documents, which allow a trusted adult to make decisions on behalf of minors regarding education, healthcare, and legal matters, without stripping biological parents of formal custody. Although this measure doesn't prevent deportation, it aims to provide a semblance of stability and continuity for children facing extreme vulnerability.
In Florida, home to one of the country's largest immigrant communities, ICE operations have surged under new federal mandates. Human rights organizations and community support networks emphasize that the combination of raids, legal uncertainty, and stigmatizing rhetoric is forcing families into a perpetual "emergency plan." Entrusting children's custody to others is viewed as a necessary evil to protect them.
Understanding the Impact of Trump's Immigration Policies in Florida
Why are immigrant families in Florida handing over their children's custody?
Immigrant families in Florida are handing over their children's custody due to fear of detention and deportation under Trump's aggressive immigration policies. By doing so, they aim to ensure their children's stability and protection if they face sudden deportation.
Who is Nora Sandigo, and what role does she play in this scenario?
Nora Sandigo is a Nicaraguan-born activist and U.S. citizen who has been a legal guardian to many children of immigrants. She has become a crucial figure for parents fearful of deportation, ensuring their children do not enter the state foster care system.
How has the new administration's policy affected immigrant communities in Florida?
The new administration's policies have intensified fear and uncertainty within immigrant communities in Florida. Increased ICE operations and a harsh immigration stance have led many families to adopt emergency strategies, including transferring guardianship of their children.