Families continue to be separated at the border

Casa Del Migrante helps thousands of migrants that come through San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora in search for a better life.

More than 200 children remain separated from their families four months after a judge ordered the United States government for their reunification.

Among the group of migrants at the shelters, News 11 met Alexandra Jimenez, who left the state of Oaxaca with her 16-year-old son, Usiel. The single mother and son, who left their home due to organized crime, were detained by immigration in September. That was the last time she was in contact with her son.

“They separated me from my son, but they didn’t tell me how long they would separate us for,” said Jimenez.

Two days later, she was sent to a detention center where she was held for 45 days and claims it was one of the worst times of her life.

“When they separated me from my son, he told me ‘mom you have to eat’. I told him don’t worry son. I will be okay, I will be okay. I only thought that I wouldn’t see him for a few days,” said Jimenez.

After she was deported to San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora, she said she reached out to the Mexican consulate in hopes of locating her son but they could not help her. For now, Jimenez is staying at La Casa Del Migrante and is looking to return to her home in Oaxaca, Mexico.

“For me, the U.S. is the worst. I rather go back to my hometown. I may be poor but I eat well. I have my little home where I live and in reality, I just need them to give me my son so we can leave,” said Jimenez.

Jimenez claims that agents took her documents proving that she is the mother of her son when arrested here in Yuma County. Her family was in brief contact with him 15 days ago but were not able to track his location.

News 11 remains in contact with the mother and will continue to update this story with more details as become available.