Immigration Enforcement Actions Impact Local Family
On May 18, immigration agents apprehended Evanston resident Jesús Eugenio-Castro during a routine check, leaving his wife and two young children to navigate their circumstances alone ahead of a scheduled court date in November. His wife, Aline Hernandez, stated that the family had been called to confirm their residency status in the United States.
Current Detention Status
Eugenio-Castro is now being held at the Christian County Detention Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, as documented by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Department of Homeland Security Statement
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Eugenio-Castro’s arrest, stating, “On May 18, ICE arrested Jesus Eugenio Castro, who entered the United States illegally from Mexico on December 21, 2022. He was previously released under the Biden Administration.” They added that he would receive due process, allowing his claims to be heard by immigration judges.
Family Challenges
During her husband’s absence, Hernandez reassured their children that their father was away on business. She shared with local advocates that the situation has been challenging, yet she remains determined to stay strong for her family.
Support and Community Response
Jacqueline Mendoza, a former council candidate and member of the city’s Equity and Empowerment Commission, recently organized a roundtable discussion with Hernandez, providing interpretation services during the conversation. Hernandez revealed that her children, both under the age of six, are also expected to appear in immigration court in November. The family secured their appointment through the CBP Home app installed on Hernandez’s phone, which immigration officials use for tracking and communication.
Financial Strain and Legal Fees
To cover living expenses and legal fees, the Evanston Latino community initiated a crowdfunding campaign. Hernandez noted that while her grandparents contribute to the household income, the family primarily depended on Eugenio-Castro’s earnings from gardening. Mendoza estimates the legal costs could reach around $8,000.
Asylum and Future Uncertainty
Hernandez shared that the family sought refuge in the United States to enhance their economic prospects and escape crime. Eugenio-Castro applied for asylum upon his entry in December 2022, reportedly being paroled and released in the process. He was instructed to report to ICE within 60 days of arriving in the country. Following a May 2023 meeting with ICE, the family is expected to return in 2026 to verify their ongoing residency.
During the May 18 interview, Hernandez reported that immigration officials confiscated all asylum documents and their Mexican passports, although she was given a copy of her passport. Faced with the possibility of deportation for her husband, and her own upcoming court date in November, she expressed uncertainty about the future.
The shifting landscape of asylum policies has added to the family’s turmoil. The Trump administration significantly restricted asylum applications, and a recent federal court ruling declared the ban on entering at ports of entry illegal. As they await their fate, the family grapples with the complexities of the legal system while seeking stability in a time of upheaval.
Editor’s note: The term “illegal alien” is cited as a direct quote from a government spokesperson in this article, as per RoundTable’s style guide that typically avoids its usage.
