By Roger Jimenez, Interning Correspondent for The Apopka Voice
Beverly Juarez, a 21-year-old student at the University of Central Florida, stood steps away from the ICE detention center on Consulate Drive in Orlando and made a plea to the public in her fight for the return of her immigrant parents, Esvin Juarez and Rosmeri Miranda, both Apopka residents.
"The country right now has a chance to right this wrong, especially after the President recently said they were considering stopping deportations for people who have been here for over 20 years… he's been here over 20 years, working under the sun, making concrete slabs, and building his business," said Juarez. "There is a chance for the President to right this wrong, to bring back my father, and stop my mother's deportation, because they are not criminals, they are pillars of the community."
On June 13th, community leaders, elected representatives, and the Juarez family gathered with signs and calls to action. State Representatives Anna Eskamani (District 42), Johanna López (District 43), and Rita Harris (District 44) were among those who stood in solidarity with the family.
"Right now, we're seeing dangerous rhetoric from politicians around the country that are anti-American, that are intentionally inflammatory, and are demonizing hard-working people across our country—people who are not criminals, people who are contributing to our economy," said Eskamani. "Especially in states like Florida, where agriculture, tourism, and construction are three of our largest industries. It is immigrants who are building these economies every single day."
Rene Gomez from the Farmworkers Association of Florida called out those who are complicit in the urgent matter.
"What I want to ask is if you're an elected official, I want you to remember that your duty is to the people," he said. "Your duty is not to remain in power. Your duty is not to get reelected. It's not to listen to what the Governor says. It's to protect your people. If you're a border patrol agent, DHS, or even a state trooper, I ask you to quit. Because if you want to protect your community and you're seeing this happen before your eyes, you know it's wrong… Lastly, if you're a parent or community member who voted for these policies and are now having second thoughts, there's still time to use your voice. Speak out, because if not, you're going to be on the wrong side of history."
Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, Executive Director of the Hope Community Center, stressed how crucial it is to preserve immigrants' right to due process.
"We are here today because something deeply important is at stake: the right to due process," he said. "The foundation of any fair and just legal system. We are here on behalf of the Juarez family, but we also know that your situation represents many others facing the same broken system… We're not asking for special treatment; we're asking that due process is respected."
Esvin Juarez and Rosmeri Miranda arrived in the United States 24 years ago from Guatemala and settled in Apopka, where they raised four children, all of whom are U.S. citizens. The family's immigration status was compromised by a missed court hearing years ago, which resulted in an unresolved deportation order. In 2010, the couple began cooperating with ICE, receiving work permits and building a stable life.
"Over the years, my family overcame that fear, and my dad sought to do things the right way," Beverly said. "They were able to have a community behind them, a business, a home… They were able to achieve what we know as the American dream."
Esvin went on to launch a small concrete construction business that employed ten people, including family members.
But in 2021, a violent robbery changed everything. Esvin was attacked at his property in front of his young sons. He was assaulted with a firearm and had his life threatened.
"They shot at the ground, and one of the casings grazed his skin," Beverly recalled. "He had a big bump on the back of his head for a while. After that, there was a lot of fear in our house."
The incident made Esvin eligible for a U visa—a special protection offered to immigrant victims of serious crimes—but that application remains pending, a process that often takes years. Last year, ICE allowed the family another year to continue resolving their legal status. But this year, that discretion was denied.
"My father owned a business. He's a father of four. I go to college. He pays his taxes and doesn't commit any crimes," Beverly said. "What doesn't make sense is that the officer had a chance to use her discretion favorably, and she didn't. We don't understand the reasoning why, when the only thing separating him from being an 'American' is his status."
Esvin was detained during a routine ICE check-in last week and was deported to Guatemala shortly afterward. Days later, Rosmeri was also detained and now faces imminent deportation, leaving Beverly alone to care for her three younger siblings, the youngest only 9 years old.
The Juarez family's plight comes amid heightened immigration enforcement at both the state and federal levels. In Florida, new laws have expanded penalties for undocumented immigrants and made it a crime to knowingly enter the state illegally.
"We know this won't be the last case like this," said López. "But that's exactly why we have to fight to make it the exception, not the norm."
As Beverly continues to advocate for her parents' return, her message remains clear: "They're not criminals. They're our neighbors. They're our family. And they deserve to be home."
