A troubling incident in Morristown, New Jersey has raised serious concerns about the impact of immigration enforcement on families after a 6-year-old girl was found alone outside her home, crying for her father.
According to local reports, the child’s father, Adonay Mancia Rodríguez, had stepped out briefly to pick up food while caring for his daughter. During that short trip, he was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers as part of an enforcement operation in the area.
Neighbors later noticed the young girl wandering outside the apartment building, visibly distressed and calling out for her father. A concerned resident contacted her mother, who rushed home and brought the child back inside safely.
Rodríguez’s partner, Gabby Rosa, said he had been watching their daughter while she worked nearby. The family has shared that he came to the United States from Honduras as a teenager and has lived in New Jersey for many years. Relatives also say he does not have a criminal record.
Adonay Mancias Rodriguez pictured above
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that several individuals were detained during the Morristown operation, but officials did not release detailed information about Rodríguez’s specific case or immigration status.
The incident has reignited debate across New Jersey about how immigration enforcement affects children and families. Advocates argue that sudden detentions can leave minors frightened, confused, and vulnerable, especially when no immediate care plan is in place.
Child development experts warn that unexpected separation from a parent can cause emotional distress, anxiety, and long-term psychological effects for young children. Community leaders are calling for stronger safeguards to ensure children are protected when a parent or guardian is detained.
While the girl is now safe with her mother, the situation has become a powerful reminder of how immigration policies can directly impact innocent families throughout New Jersey. Sources:
Sources:
- People Magazine – Coverage of Morristown child found after father’s ICE detention
- NJ.com – Reporting on the Morristown enforcement operation
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Public statement on ICE arrests
- Family statements shared through local media
What happened to They’re only arresting criminals ?!?!
ReplyThat's exactly what I have been asking!
The government never said they would only be arresting criminals. They always said they would be concentrating on criminals first but technically all illegal immigrants are criminals under the law.
I think only criminals should be deported, such as gang members or other criminals. The people who commit violent crimes endangering others, of course should be returned to their countries if here illegally. However, the people who are working and raising small children should be warned, in my opinion to start working on their immigration. A person in college who is also not a criminal and not here legally should be warned to begin working on their citizenship but not deported, in my opinion.
ReplyI agree but ICE is arresting and deporting people who are processing their legal immigration or asylum through the courts. If they are living productive lives and going through the legal process, they should be welcomed, not treated the way ICE is treating them.