Editor’s Note: “Marco” is a pseudonym used by Kern Sol News to protect the identity of the individual featured in this story.

Marco, a 41-year-old husband and father of three and a small business owner from San Rafael, California has been held in Mesa Verde ICE Processing Facility in Bakersfield, CA since early June after what was supposed to be a routine immigration check-in in San Francisco, leaving his family without income and his health in decline.

Despite having no recent legal troubles and complying with immigration requirements for the last four years, he was unexpectedly detained and has since faced deteriorating health, separation from his family, and a lack of legal support.

Marco, who has lived in the U.S. for much of his life, was detained and received a letter stating he could continue working for another 40-something days while his visa is pending for renewal. His arrest has caused disruption to his family, health, and livelihood.

A life built in the U.S.

Marco first came to the U.S. from Guatemala at age 14, crossing the border with his brothers to escape violence. He settled in San Rafael, where he had uncles and aunts who helped him start a new life. Over time, more family members joined him. San Rafael became home, a place where Marco eventually built a life, started a business, and raised his family.

He’s been married for five years, and the couple has three daughters and a one-year-old granddaughter.

He avoided trouble and focused on raising his family and growing his business. “Everything was good,” he said, reflecting on life before his detention.

Earlier this year, the family purchased a new 2024 truck. But after his detention, his wife had to sell it to cover household expenses.

A History of Violence and Displacement

Marco’s decision to flee Guatemala was shaped by violent and traumatic events. He grew up in an area plagued by gang control. Years ago, Marco said he was kidnapped by a gang, tortured, and filmed while being held captive. The video was sent to his father along with a demand for ransom. Upon seeing the footage, Marco’s father suffered a fatal heart attack and passed away.

Afterward, Marco’s uncle filed a report with the local police about gang members seizing family property. Authorities took no action. Days later, that same uncle was burned alive by gang members. Fearing for their lives, Marco’s remaining family members fled the area. Today, no one from his immediate family remains in that region of Guatemala.

Four years ago, Marco made another attempt to return to the U.S. after visiting Guatemala during a family emergency. During the journey, he spent 48 hours locked in a truck with little water some people began passing out. He paid $18,000 for that trip, which he says would now cost closer to $20,000.

From migrant to small business owner

Marco’s first job in the U.S. was working at McDonald’s. Over time, he built skills in plumbing, roofing, painting, and electrical work. Eventually, he started his own handyman and contracting business. He received his contractor’s license and was in the process of expanding his work when he was detained. He often picked up workers from Home Depot parking lots who, like him, were seeking opportunities. Many sent part of their wages to support their families.

He carried a Social Security card, which expired earlier this year and is pending renewal. He also received a letter stating he was allowed to continue working for 40-something more days but ICE arrested him during his check-in with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regardless.

His clients and workers have since reached out to support his family. Several former clients sent money to Marco’s wife and offered to write letters or help however they could.

Living conditions in detention

In ICE custody, Marco described the dorm conditions as harsh. There is limited access to water and sometimes a shortage of basic supplies like toilet paper. 

There are few activities to stay occupied. Marco said no one plays soccer due to hot weather, something he used to do daily as part of a semi-pro league. Now, a small Bible study group offers the only form of community support which a visitor recently encouraged him to join.

Marco is also diabetic. When detained, he did not have his medication because he had not expected to be held. During the first few days, his blood sugar spiked dangerously above 400. 

Marco is also diabetic. When he was detained, he did not have his medication with him because he hadn’t expected to be taken into custody. During the first few days in detention, his blood sugar spiked to dangerously high levels over 400. Eventually, medical staff provided him with diabetes medication. He now takes it daily from his bed in the dorm, but he still lacks the proper equipment to monitor his blood sugar levels himself.

Recently, Marco became ill and spent days in bed without eating. He suspects COVID-19, as a bunkmate tested positive and was moved to isolation. Fearing prolonged solitary confinement, Marco declined to be tested. He requested a mask but was denied one. 

Separation and silence

Every day, Marco calls his wife and daughters using money he had in his possession when detained. But he refuses to make video calls. “I don’t want my girls to see me like this,” he said. 

His youngest daughters, who are both under the age of 10, ask about him constantly. His wife tells them that he is away for work.

Despite being detained for nearly a month, Marco has not been assigned a court date and is unclear if he has legal representation. When he asked officers about his hearing, they gave no timeline. He said he’s been pressured to sign a deportation order, something he refuses to do.

His previous immigration attorney dropped the case the day he was detained. Frustrated by the lack of information about his case, Marco said he is considering signing a voluntary deportation order if he doesn’t receive any updates within the next month. Marco said if he has to leave, he’ll find a way back. All he wants is to be with his family again.