A family in Pittsburg, Kansas is battling to bring their mother back home after they claim Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers detained her.
The family, led by Carina Moran, is desperately seeking to have her released after she was taken during a routine visit to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office in Kansas City.
The Incident: Detained Instead of a Routine Appointment
Carina Moran shared the heart-wrenching details of how her mother, Rosmery Alvarado, was detained instead of attending a scheduled USCIS appointment. The family had hoped it would be a straightforward interview to further their immigration process, but instead, things took a sudden and unexpected turn.
“My mom walked into the USCIS office, thinking it was just a routine appointment, but she was detained by ICE officers,” said Moran. “It feels like she’s been taken from me, and I don’t know when I’ll ever see her again.”
Moran, who has been with her mother her whole life, shared the emotional toll the situation is taking on their family. “I have to tell my younger brothers that they won’t see their mom again. It’s heartbreaking to see my dad struggle.”
The Timeline: From Hope to Heartbreak
Earlier this year, Nixon, Moran’s father, became a U.S. citizen in March. Shortly after, he filed paperwork requesting a green card for his wife, Rosmery. Only three weeks later, they received a notification of approval, along with a letter requesting an interview at the USCIS office.
- March: Nixon becomes a U.S. citizen.
- Three weeks later: A notification of approval for Rosmery’s green card.
- One week before the appointment: A letter arrives confirming the need for a USCIS interview.
On Wednesday, the family attended the appointment together, hoping for a simple interview that could bring them closer to their goal. However, an hour after entering the office, Nixon emerged alone.
The Detention: An Unexpected Turn
Moran described how her father, Nixon, left the office without her mother and was left in shock. “The last time I saw her, I was walking her up to the building, thinking it was just a routine interview,” Moran recalled. “But from the moment we received that letter, we were misled.”
During the appointment, the officers assured the family that the paperwork was in order, but moments later, ICE officers arrived. Moran explained that ICE agents took her mother without explanation, escorting her out through the back door of the office. “They didn’t say a word. They just took her in an unmarked white van.”
Where Rosmery Alvarado Is Now
Rosmery Alvarado is currently being held at a detention center in Chase County, located about two hours away. According to their lawyer, Alvarado has a deportation order tied to a failure to appear in court as a minor.
Moran expressed her disbelief, saying, “We thought we had all the defenses, all the evidence. Every member of my family is a U.S. citizen, and I thought that would protect her.”
Legal Efforts and Family Struggles
Moran revealed that their lawyer has filed a deportation hold request, hoping to stop the deportation process and bring her mother home. However, if the request is denied, Rosmery Alvarado could be deported to Guatemala within three days.
In addition to the emotional toll, Moran worries about her mother’s health, as Alvarado has diabetes. To help with medical and legal expenses, the family has created a GoFundMe campaign for Rosmery. The funds will also assist with sending her belongings internationally if the worst-case scenario happens.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| March 2025 | Nixon becomes a U.S. citizen. |
| March/April 2025 | Family receives green card approval notification. |
| Appointment Day (Wednesday) | Rosmery Alvarado detained by ICE after the appointment. |
| Chase County Detention | Alvarado held at detention center, awaiting deportation decision. |
The emotional and legal battle the Moran family faces in their fight to bring Rosmery Alvarado home underscores the complexity of the U.S. immigration system. Despite their best efforts, they are now in a waiting game, hoping for a positive outcome.
This situation not only highlights the struggles many families face in immigration proceedings but also the toll it can take on the emotional well-being of those involved. The family remains hopeful that the legal process will allow them to reunite with their mother and wife soon.