A celebratory trip turned heartbreaking for a Dallas family when immigration authorities detained two longtime residents.
At the Granados Rojas home in Southeast Dallas, the walls reflect years of cherished memories.
“My parents raised us here.
This is their home too—they’ve been here for over 20 years,” said Jennifer Granados Rojas.
After decades in the U.S., the family of five is now separated.
“It was just sad seeing them go,” said Brisa Granados Rojas. “I didn’t even get to give them a last hug.”
On May 19, the family was headed to El Paso for their daughter’s graduation from the University of Texas at El Paso. State troopers pulled them over in Taylor County for not having a front license plate. Jennifer said the officers asked for the family’s documentation.
“After we gave them our documents and waited a long time, an unmarked truck pulled up. It looked like an ICE or Border Patrol vehicle. They asked my dad to step out,” Jennifer recalled.
Border Patrol detained Jorge Granados Rojas on the spot. Shortly after, agents detained Esperanza Granados Rojas too—leaving their 16-year-old son without either parent at home.
“I’m angry this had to happen. I’m heartbroken. I don’t know when—or if—I’ll see my parents again,” said Brisa.
A CBP agent at the scene stated the couple had legally entered the U.S. but no longer had valid visas.
“They have two choices: go back voluntarily, or fight the case. If they fight it, they’ll be sent to a detention center in Pearsall, Texas,” the agent said.
ICE later confirmed the couple had overstayed their tourist visas and presented expired driver’s licenses during the stop, placing them in removal proceedings. They remain in ICE custody awaiting court hearings. Their daughters, both DACA recipients, are now caring for their U.S.-born brother.
“I think he’s still in shock,” Jennifer said of her brother. “He doesn’t talk much about it, and that’s the hardest part—not knowing what he’s feeling.”
Despite former President Trump’s claims that immigration enforcement focused on those with criminal records, Dallas County found no record for either parent. Their attorney, Tessy Ortiz, emphasized the family’s contributions.
“They’ve lived here more than 10 years, paid taxes, committed no crimes, and raised good children,” Ortiz said. “They’re more than numbers—they’re human beings, and they’re good people.”
A Texas Department of Public Safety spokesperson said troopers regularly work with federal agencies, regardless of criminal history.
“It’s not unusual,” said Denise Gilman, professor at the University of Texas School of Law. “What’s changed under this administration is how aggressively local law enforcement identifies long-term residents without status and hands them over to ICE.”
TxDPS confirmed ongoing coordination with immigration agencies, noting increased responsiveness recently. Gilman warned this approach could backfire.
“Targeting non-threatening undocumented immigrants erodes trust and makes communities less safe. People stop reporting crimes,” she said.
The Granados Rojas daughters cling to memories and hope, unsure if their family will ever be whole again.
“I just pray to God I’ll see my parents again, and that they’ll come home safely,” Brisa said.
Jorge Granados Rojas’ court hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. Esperanza’s will take place later in June. If both parents are deported and no relatives intervene, experts say their son could end up in foster care.
