Jessica Cheung
👤 PersonAppearances Over Time
Podcast Appearances
Fabrizio had no criminal record, and he didn't want to hide from law enforcement. He wanted to do things the right way. He's had a pending application for a visa. In the meantime, he's been checking in with ICE. He's been doing that for 12 years. In February, just one month after Trump's inauguration, he was due for another check-in.
Fabrizio had no criminal record, and he didn't want to hide from law enforcement. He wanted to do things the right way. He's had a pending application for a visa. In the meantime, he's been checking in with ICE. He's been doing that for 12 years. In February, just one month after Trump's inauguration, he was due for another check-in.
And so her dad shows up to his check-in like he always does. And it was soon after that that her mom called her in class, notifying Isla that her dad had been detained.
And so her dad shows up to his check-in like he always does. And it was soon after that that her mom called her in class, notifying Isla that her dad had been detained.
Isla's dad was detained on February 26. He was taken to the Plymouth County Correctional Facility, about an hour's drive away from their home. Eventually, Isla was able to reach him on the phone.
Isla's dad was detained on February 26. He was taken to the Plymouth County Correctional Facility, about an hour's drive away from their home. Eventually, Isla was able to reach him on the phone.
Isla's dad told her to hold strong, too. He said the detention center wasn't so bad. He told her he'd gotten a job cleaning, which allowed more time outside of his cell. He started a Bible study with a group of other detainees, and he was allowed visitors everywhere.
Isla's dad told her to hold strong, too. He said the detention center wasn't so bad. He told her he'd gotten a job cleaning, which allowed more time outside of his cell. He started a Bible study with a group of other detainees, and he was allowed visitors everywhere.
But as the days in custody turn into weeks, the two of them adapted to a new version of their relationship. No visits. They talk on the phone. A lot. As often as five times a day.
But as the days in custody turn into weeks, the two of them adapted to a new version of their relationship. No visits. They talk on the phone. A lot. As often as five times a day.
What are some of the updates that you give him on how life was going for you?
What are some of the updates that you give him on how life was going for you?
Inside the cell, time had stopped for Isla's dad. For Isla, on the other hand, life went on and her dad didn't want to miss out on it.
Inside the cell, time had stopped for Isla's dad. For Isla, on the other hand, life went on and her dad didn't want to miss out on it.
Oh, wow. Amazing. And then how did you share the news with him?
Oh, wow. Amazing. And then how did you share the news with him?
These calls went on for two months. And then in April, Isla learned of two major developments. First, Ice was going to enforce an order of removal against her dad, which meant he could be deported immediately. Second, Ice was moving him over 1,600 miles to a notorious detention center in Louisiana, which had been investigated by the Department of Homeland Security for alleged abuses.
These calls went on for two months. And then in April, Isla learned of two major developments. First, Ice was going to enforce an order of removal against her dad, which meant he could be deported immediately. Second, Ice was moving him over 1,600 miles to a notorious detention center in Louisiana, which had been investigated by the Department of Homeland Security for alleged abuses.