Family Stories

Hear from the families Manos Amigas Utah works with every day. Names have been changed, but the stories are real.

This photo is a stock image by John David on Unsplash.

I Have Been Left Alone in this Country - Rosa's Story

“I am the mother of 3 children, aged 13, 6, and a 9-month-old baby. I have been left alone in this country because my husband was arrested on his way to work. He stopped at a gas station for a coffee, and when he left the gas station, a car followed him and turned on its lights. He stopped, and they asked for his ID.

They told him that they were looking for someone else and had made a mistake, but that he was still under arrest. They took him out of the car and handcuffed him like a criminal. My husband is not a criminal. They kept him in jail for 8 days until they sent him to Mexico.

I contacted Manos Amigas because a family who was going through the same thing gave me the number. I am very grateful to them because they have helped me a lot with food, diapers, and formula for my baby. They also helped me pay an electricity bill, and when my husband was in jail, they put money in his account so he could call me, and they continue to support me with food.

I wish more people knew about the group and helped with their donations so that more families like mine, who are going through this difficult time, could benefit. Manos Amigas is a blessing for us who have been supported by them.”

During the summer of 2026, Rosa decided to return to Mexico. Manos Amigas Utah drove Rosa and her three children to the airport. Rosa's brother and sister-in-law made the difficult decision to send their young children with Rosa. They feared that they would be detained and lose their children. They don't know when they will be reunited.

My Husband Committed No Crime - Sofia and Miguel's Story

Sofia’s husband Miguel was detained on a construction site in Washington County. She found him in the online ICE detainee locator system, but when she called to ask where he was being held, no one would talk to her.

Manos Amigas Utah found Miguel at Purgatory Correctional Facility and donated money so that he could talk to Sofia and their three children. During one of their conversations, Sofia learned that Miguel had been living in his work clothes covered in concrete from the work site for three days. He was given a clean set of clothes at Purgatory, but they were far too big—the pants wouldn’t stay up and the shirt hung off his shoulders.

Miguel had not committed any crime. Sofia was shocked that he was being treated this way. We knew that he would soon be transferred to a detention center in Nevada or Arizona before deportation to Mexico.

Sofia imagined her husband dropped off in a country he hadn’t lived in for years, alone and wearing clothes and shoes that didn’t fit. How would he navigate and survive?

Manos Amigas Utah volunteers shopped for Miguel right away. We gave his new clothes and shoes to an officer at Purgatory who graciously offered to help. Unfortunately, by the time the clothes arrived at the jail, it was too late. Miguel had already been transferred to another detention facility. He is currently in Mexico, traveling to reunite with distant family.

Although we were not able to get Miguel the clothes he needed, we helped Sofia stay in contact with her husband, and provided weekly groceries and moral support. We continue to stay in touch with Sofia to let her know that we care and to respond to needs that arise- like when she needed help finding and jump-starting her husband’s car.

We have been able to help other immigrants at Purgatory, and in detention centers across the country, with small comforts and phone minutes. We need your help to increase our impact.

Those Dreams Have Disappeared - Carla's Story

"Hello, hope you are having a good day. I would like to tell you a little about my story. I'm a mom of 5 kids, and a wife. We came to the United States with a dream of bettering our lives. To live a calmer life, to work, to give our children access to a better education, a better life and safety. Today those dreams have disappeared. My husband and oldest son are now in a detention center. I am left with 4 kids: 17, 15 ,14, and 10 years old.

Ever since I contacted Manos Amigas Utah they have been so kind to me. From the first minute without doubting me they were here to help. They brought me groceries. I asked them for help in contacting my husband and son over the phone. They added funds for the calls. I'm desperate. I need an immigration lawyer. I have no money. But at least I don’t feel alone. Thank you to each person who is helping even if I have not met you in person. I feel your support through the person who answers my calls and messages. On behalf of me and all my family, we appreciate all the support. May god always bless you."