From ABC7 New York · · 1m 30s
Siblings Left Raising Younger Family Members After Parents' Deportation
Over 4 million U.S. families with citizens and noncitizens face family separation after parents' deportation.
In brief
Over 4 million U.S. families with citizens and noncitizens face family separation after parents' deportation. Older siblings like Wendy Domingo now care for younger family members after undocumented parents were deported. Originally reported by ABC7 New York.
Wendy Domingo's Family Detained
Wendy Domingo, 18, is caring for her four younger siblings after Border Patrol detained her undocumented parents.
“I've never gotten pulled over before and it was a very frantic moment for me because, like, I'm a safe driver, so I was like, did I do something wrong?”
Border Patrol Detention
On August 9, 2026, Border Patrol detained Wendy's parents while they were buying sneakers for her younger brother.
“The license plate of the car is registered to a noncitizen.”
Parents Sent to Detention Centers
Wendy's parents were detained together in Florida and later sent to separate detention centers.
“Why did we leave the house? Why didn't you just send me?”
Deportation Outcomes
Maria Leiva was deported to Guatemala, and Abraham Domingo chose to self-deport to avoid prolonged detention.
“They were both returned back to their home country of guatemala.”
Mixed-Status Families
Over 4 million U.S. families contain both citizens and noncitizens, according to experts.
“The kids are the ones that are losing the most.”
Mariana Blanco's Group
Mariana Blanco, director of the Guatemalan-Maya Center, helps reunite children after parents are deported.
“So for wendy's family and for a lot of our families, they're coming to terms with sending maybe some of their siblings and the oldest staying behind.”
Eliza Perez's Story
Eliza Perez, 21, cares for her three younger siblings after her parents were deported two days before Thanksgiving.
“I had to leave my dreams behind, which was school and an office job, or a job with ac.”
Wendy's New Responsibilities
Wendy now works at a hotel to support her three younger siblings who are 16, 14, and 12.
“My sister, she's learning how to cook.”
Family Impact
Wendy says the house has gone completely quiet since her parents left, and she's learning to cook for her siblings.
“My parents really had the american dream.”
Long-Term Consequences
Wendy's family is one of many mixed-status families where older siblings now take care of younger members after deportation.
“The american dream was just ripped out in the span of a few minutes.”
The short version
Older siblings like Wendy Domingo now care for younger family members after undocumented parents were deported.
