The father of a U.S. military veteran is facing possible deportation after he was arrested by ICE agents at home, according to a Spanish-language Univision 45 Houston report. Israel Solano, who served a tour in Afghanistan, said he was awakened by an early morning call from his father, Francisco, telling him to “take care of the family” and their small business installing floors.
“What are you talking about?” a confused Israel asked. Francisco responded that “immigration is outside my house, I love you,” and hung up. “I couldn’t say anything else,” Israel told Univision. “That’s the last time I heard from him.”
According to the family’s attorney, Francisco has a deportation order from ten years ago for using a fake Social Security number. This is oftentimes the only way undocumented immigrants are able to work and support their families. Payroll taxes deducted from these paychecks still go to the federal government, and because these workers are undocumented, they never get to access those Social Security dollars.
Because of an unshackled ICE and Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant policies making just about any immigrant here without permission a target for arrest, Francisco is now a priority for deportation, despite the fact that his son put his life on the line for his nation. “I was ready to die for this country, and this is how I’m repaid?” asked Israel. “This isn’t right.”
According to Univision, Francisco is currently detained in a Houston facility, and the Mexican consulate has received no word of his arrest or arrival. ICE told Univision that they’ll provide more information about Francisco’s case soon, and the family’s attorney hopes Israel’s military service can help convince federal immigration officials to let Francisco stay.
Israel used the Univision segment to send a tearful message to his father. “If I don’t get to see you again, I want to thank you so much for making me the man I am today,” he said. “Your family is here praying for you, trying to do the impossible so you can come back to us.”
This nation has a disturbing history of mistreating immigrant military service members and families. According to NBC News, some 230 veterans have been deported by both Democratic and Republican administrations after serving in the military. Helping military families, especially ones with immigration problems, should be a bipartisan issue. Instead, Israel’s father could be torn from his family. Is this how we’re prepared to thank Americans who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their nation?