Lee County families scramble for help after ICE detains loved ones

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. (WINK)—Immigration enforcement across Lee County this week is leaving some families with a sudden question: What happens when a parent doesn't come home?

Voices of Bonita says about 15 families have reached out for help just this week. The group says some are suddenly facing food, rent and childcare concerns after a family member is detained.

June, a legal observer with RAISE, documented some of the immigration enforcement scenes in Lee County this week. June says her group tries to locate families after someone is detained and help them figure out what happens next.

"Most recently, we've had a huge influx of immigration officers," June said. "So you'll typically see three, four, five ICE vehicles and maybe two or three Highway Patrol officers."

For some families, the next concern is financial. Voices of Bonita says it has provided more than 60 emergency grants this year, about $400 each.

"A low-income family suddenly doesn't have any income at all. So how is the mother going to pay the rent? How is the mother going to put food on the table? It's almost impossible," said Dr. Sigfredo Hernandez, co-founder of Voices of Bonita.

Hernandez says volunteers can help with food, basic necessities and at least $100 a month. He says about 15 families have contacted the organization this week alone.

"It's best for their children, who are, in most cases, American citizens, to stay here. It's best for those families to weather the storm so that those kids have the opportunities to grow," Hernandez said.

Lee County Schools says if a child is not picked up, staff first call the emergency contacts on file. If no one can be reached, a school resource officer can help check the home.

If the home is empty, the district says social workers and DCF may become involved. Beyond the school day, June says her group is also helping families make plans ahead of time, including who can care for children if a parent is detained.

"I think that's part of our responsibility. We do a lot of community education with vulnerable people about their rights and assist them in preparing family preparedness packages, just in case they are detained," June said.

DHS did not provide a breakdown of how many people arrested in Lee County this week had prior criminal convictions. The agency pointed to several Florida arrests involving people with prior convictions and said ICE enforces immigration laws nationwide.