Florida Border Patrol Detains Undocumented Immigrant Couple
A traffic stop in Florida led to the detention and subsequent deportation of a couple, separating them from their U.S.-born children.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Immigration
On August 9, 2026, Border Patrol officers in Florida detained Abraham Domingo and Maria Leiva after a traffic stop revealed they were undocumented immigrants. The couple has since been deported to Guatemala, leaving their children in the care of their 18-year-old daughter, Wendy Domingo.
Why it matters
This case highlights the challenges faced by mixed-status families in the U.S. as authorities enforce immigration laws. It illustrates the profound disruption and long-term separation that can occur within families when parents are removed from the country.
The Guatemalan-Maya Center has facilitated the reunification of 57 children with deported parents. An estimated 4 million mixed-status families reside in the U.S.
The players
Abraham Domingo
He is an undocumented immigrant who chose to self-deport to Guatemala after being detained by federal authorities.
Maria Leiva
She is an undocumented immigrant who was deported to Guatemala following a traffic stop in Florida.
Wendy Domingo
She is the 18-year-old daughter who is working at a hotel to support her three younger siblings in the wake of her parents' deportation.
Guatemalan-Maya Center
This organization assists families by facilitating the reunification of children with parents who have been deported.
The details
Border Patrol initiated the stop based on the vehicle license plate being registered to a noncitizen, leading to the detention of the parents when they could not provide citizenship documents. While Maria Leiva was deported, Abraham Domingo opted for self-deportation to avoid prolonged detention, and Wendy Domingo is now working at a hotel to provide for her three younger siblings.
Timeline
Abraham Domingo faced domestic violence charges that were later dropped in 2024.
Border Patrol officers detained the parents on August 9, 2026.
Eliza Perez's parents were deported in late November 2025.
Political Context
Opponents of strict enforcement argue that such actions disproportionately harm U.S. citizen children who face sudden family separation and financial instability. Conversely, supporters emphasize that federal law requires the deportation of individuals who entered the country illegally regardless of their family ties.
Local families may face significant financial strain and legal uncertainty when primary caregivers are subjected to deportation proceedings. Residents should be aware that citizenship documentation requirements can be enforced during standard traffic interactions by federal authorities.
The takeaway
Families in similar situations often face extreme hardship that requires specialized support from local community organizations. Planning for child care and legal representation remains a critical necessity for those navigating uncertain immigration statuses.
Further reading
For more information on current policies, visit the Florida Immigration section.
