Portrait: The Hernandez Family
Diana and Julio Hernandez and their daughter, Elena, fled gang violence in their native Colombia and were on their way to Canada to seek refugee protection. They had almost reached the border when they got lost in a construction zone. Diana was pulled over by the police for driving too slowly. When she  was unable to show her passport, which had been stolen, she was arrested for lacking proof of immigration status even though she had a visa.

Diana was taken to the Wayne County Jail in Detroit. Having never committed a crime in her life, she now found herself locked up. Unable to speak English, she was bewildered and frightened by what was happening to her. How could she have been so close to freedom and safety only to find herself in such a terrifying situation?

Meanwhile, Julio drove aimlessly, not knowing what to do or even where to go to look for his wife. When he told his story to a local store owner, he was directed to Freedom House, a member of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service’s asylum and immigration network that provides temporary housing for asylum seekers.

Freedom House staff were stunned to hear the Hernandezes’ story and immediately offered them hospitality. A Freedom House attorney tracked down Diana and arranged to represent her.

As the days and weeks dragged on, Julio and Elena became part of the Freedom House community. Diana had been transferred to a women’s prison three hours away, and they called and visited her as often as possible.

Through the attorney’s diligent efforts, Elena won her freedom. Four months after her arrest, the day of her release finally came. Everyone at Freedom House gathered in the kitchen to await her arrival. As Diana entered the house, all the residents begin to clap and cry. Overcome by emotion, Diana was finally able to hold her daughter in her loving arms once again.

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and our partners continue to serve families caught in similar circumstances. We assist those arrested, support their families, work toward reuniting them, and advocate for laws and policies that are just and humane.

More Portraits of Immigrants
and Their Families