As the threat of deportation looms over her husband, Chantell Zarate of Ogden is grappling with an uncertain future. Her husband, Luis Zarate, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on December 2, 2023, and is facing potential removal to Mexico. This situation has left Chantell in a state of distress, unsure of how to proceed while balancing the needs of her family.
“We’re kind of stressing,” she expressed, highlighting the emotional toll the ordeal has taken. The couple shares four children, all born in the United States, aged between 13 and 19. Chantell is also a mother to two older children from a previous relationship. The possibility of separation has forced her to consider difficult decisions regarding her family’s future.
Legal Challenges and Family Impact
Since her husband’s arrest, Chantell has consulted with a lawyer to explore her options. Unfortunately, the advice provided has not been encouraging. “The lawyer basically told me that he didn’t think they could do anything. There’s nothing they could do because of the way the laws are set in stone,” she said. This has left her feeling helpless as she seeks a way to keep her family together.
Chantell hopes that sharing her story will shed light on the personal consequences of strict immigration policies. Under the administration of former President Donald Trump, increased focus on the detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants has prompted concerns about the impact on families like hers. “I hope people would see what it’s really like and how hard it is, and then it would hopefully change minds,” she added.
Luis Zarate, who is now 38 years old, entered the United States illegally as a teenager in the early 2000s. He was deported in 2006 after a felony conviction for forgery in Weber County. Despite his previous deportation, he returned to the U.S., leading to his most recent arrest. An ICE official characterized Luis as “a criminal alien from Mexico who has previously been removed from the U.S.,” emphasizing the legal complexities surrounding his case.
Community Reactions and Broader Implications
Chantell acknowledges that many in the public may lack sympathy for individuals facing deportation, especially when associated with criminal activity. Yet, she believes that U.S. immigration laws do not facilitate lawful pathways for those wishing to enter the country. As she navigates this challenging time, the emotional strain on her family is palpable, particularly as they consider the implications of potential separation.
As of the latest updates, Luis remains in custody at the Davis County Jail in Farmington, awaiting the next steps in his legal process. The uncertainty surrounding his situation continues to weigh heavily on Chantell and their children, who are left to ponder the future of their family.
Chantell Zarate’s story is a reflection of the broader challenges faced by families dealing with immigration enforcement in the United States. With ongoing debates about immigration policy, her experience underscores the human impact of these laws and the urgent need for reform.
