Illustration representing the emotional turmoil a family experiences during detention.
A Guatemalan mother, Sarahi, faced a six-day detention in Detroit after a GPS error led her family to the Ambassador Bridge, triggering immigration enforcement. Despite not crossing into Canada, Sarahi and her children were held due to her undocumented status. The incident has raised concerns among immigrant communities about the treatment of families and the implications of strict immigration policies.
In a shocking turn of events, a Guatemalan mother named Sarahi found herself detained for six long days after a simple mistake while navigating to a Costco in Windsor, Canada. It all unfolded when her brother, driving the family, mistakenly followed GPS directions that led them straight to the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit. Although they never crossed into Canada, the family’s journey quickly turned into a nightmare.
It was on March 8, 2025, around 2:30 p.m. when Sarahi, her two daughters aged 1 and 5, and her 19-year-old brother arrived at the bridge. What should have been a quick trip ended up with them being detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) once it became clear that Sarahi was in the U.S. illegally. She had entered the country six years ago in 2018 and had been living here without proper documentation.
After being detained, the family was held in a windowless room at a facility located near the bridge. Conditions were described as cold, and a lack of essential supplies quickly became a pressing issue, especially since Sarahi’s infant daughter needed diapers. During their six-day ordeal, the family was offered instant food options such as oatmeal, ramen noodles, and macaroni and cheese. However, as days went by, the stress took a toll on Sarahi’s daughters. After two days, one child developed a fever, and the other began to cough, alarming their mother.
After five exhausting days, Sarahi’s daughters, both U.S. citizens, were finally released to a family member. However, their mother remained in detention, waiting for the next steps about her case. Sarahi was ultimately released the next day after signing a legal document agreeing to appear in immigration court in June. Sadly, her brother’s fate was different; he remained behind bars, continuing to face an uncertain future. The atmosphere for Sarahi was frightening; she often felt confused and scared, especially since she had no access to legal counsel throughout her entire detention.
The case has sparked significant concern in immigrant communities, especially with the increasing number of families being detained for extended periods under the current federal enforcement policies. The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center has voiced issues regarding transparency in these types of detentions at the Ambassador Bridge, urging the need for improvement in the system. Advocates worry about the psychological trauma inflicted on children during such detainments, bringing attention to the larger implications of immigration enforcement.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection defended their actions, stating Sarahi had violated immigration laws, which made her subject to detention and possible removal due to her undocumented status. This situation highlights the fears many immigrants face under current administration policies that aggressively target illegal immigration.
Ultimately, Sarahi’s story is not just another headline. It serves as a reminder of the struggles many families face while navigating the complexities of immigration laws and the impact on their children. As communities come together to support affected families, it’s evident that such incidents raise questions about the balance between enforcement and compassion in immigration matters.
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