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One daughter's search for a father detained by ICE

NPR's profile
Original Story by NPR
June 21, 2025
One daughter's search for a father detained by ICE

Context:

Nancy Urizar is desperately searching for her father, Francisco Urizar, who was detained by ICE agents in an incident caught on video by bystanders. The video shows Francisco being taken from his delivery truck by agents in a swift operation, leaving Nancy with more questions than answers about the reasons for his detainment. Despite reviewing additional footage, Nancy remains unclear on whether her father was specifically targeted and struggles with the lack of information about his whereabouts. Francisco has been in the U.S. for 35 years, previously seeking asylum after fleeing Guatemala, but his legal status remains unresolved. The increased immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles have sparked protests, and Nancy is left grappling with the emotional toll and uncertainty surrounding her father's situation.

Dive Deeper:

  • Nancy Urizar has been actively searching for her father, Francisco Urizar, following his sudden detainment by ICE agents, which was captured on video by passersby. Despite reviewing the footage, she remains uncertain about the exact reasons for his arrest and whether it was a targeted operation.

  • The video of Francisco's detainment shows ICE agents swiftly surrounding his delivery truck and taking him away, leaving Nancy with a sense of confusion and concern about the details of the encounter, including whether her father was specifically singled out due to his appearance.

  • Francisco came to the United States 35 years ago, escaping forced conscription during Guatemala's civil war, and initially applied for asylum but abandoned the process due to financial constraints. His detention has brought to light many details about his past that Nancy was previously unaware of.

  • Despite her efforts to locate Francisco using the ICE Online Detainee Locator System, Nancy has been unable to find any information about his whereabouts, increasing her anxiety and frustration as time passes without any updates.

  • The detainment occurred amid heightened immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles County, which have led to public protests and political commentary, highlighting the contentious nature of current immigration policies and their impact on families like the Urizars.

  • Nancy is emotionally overwhelmed by the situation, feeling guilt over her inability to help her father and haunted by the thought of his fear and uncertainty during his detention. Her father's friends and community members offer support, but she is left without answers about his fate.

  • The case exemplifies the broader issues surrounding immigration enforcement in the U.S., with questions about the fairness and transparency of such operations, especially when families are left in distress and without clear communication from authorities.

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