In the shadow of mounting deportations and immigration uncertainties, a wave of fear has gripped immigrant communities across the United States. Amidst this tension, Nora Sandigo, a dedicated activist, has emerged as a beacon of hope for immigrant families in Florida. Sandigo's home in Homestead, a city rich with cultural diversity, has become a sanctuary for those seeking the assurance that their children will be cared for if they are deported. The requests for her legal guardianship have intensified since President Donald Trump took office, alongside the administration's stern immigration policies.
Historically, immigrant families would flock to Sandigo's ranch to designate her as their children's legal guardian. Today, however, the climate of fear is so pervasive that families are reluctant to leave their homes, prompting Sandigo to visit them instead. This shift reflects the pervasive anxiety within communities, where everyday activities, from grocery shopping to driving, are now laden with the fear of encountering Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
The reality of these fears is evident. Since January 20, over 8,000 individuals residing in the U.S. illegally have been arrested, a stark increase compared to prior averages. This intensified enforcement has instilled a new reality in places like Homestead, where the local economy and community interactions bear the brunt of this enforcement. Vendors report a significant downturn in sales, and public spaces that once buzzed with activity now appear deserted. Sandigo, a centerpiece of this community for years, witnesses these transformations first-hand as she visits homes to finalize guardianship paperwork.
For Sandigo, a U.S. citizen who emigrated from Nicaragua as a teenager, this mission is deeply personal. Her own past experiences of displacement fuel her empathy and dedication. Sandigo has legally safeguarded over 2,000 children, offering stability and continuity in times of uncertainty. Many of these children are U.S. citizens by birth, yet face the threat of entering the foster care system if left parentless after deportations. The guardianship she provides does not supplant parental rights but offers her the legal authority to make crucial decisions on behalf of the children, ranging from educational commitments to healthcare needs.
Illustrative of this is her work with Julia, a Guatemalan mother whose husband was recently detained. Their daughter, too young to fend for herself, can now rely on Sandigo for leadership and care in the absence of her parents. Such stories are not isolated; cases like that of Albertina, a mother striving to keep her children’s futures secure, showcase the stakes involved.
Despite the pressing challenges, Sandigo remains hopeful and motivated. Her Catholic faith, a pillar of her life, inspires her advocacy work. She expresses profound solidarity with the families she assists, driven by a commitment to love and service. As immigration policies continue to evolve, Sandigo believes that maintaining hope and unity within immigrant communities is imperative.
Sandigo's role not only impacts individual families but symbolizes resilience within the diverse cultural landscape of America. Those who entrust their children to her care do not do so lightly; it is a decision made from deep necessity and love. As guardianship confers security, it also offers a glimmer of normalcy amidst the broader uncertainties.