Victory! Jose Escobar Reunited With Wife and Baby (Video)

Seven months ago, Rose Escobar’s worst nightmare came true. Her husband, loving father to then 1-year-old baby Walter and the main financial provider for the family, was picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and placed in detention. A faulty lawyer had advised him not to attend a hearing to renew the Temporary Protected Status that was granted to him as an immigrant fleeing violence and natural disasters in El Salvador, and this had triggered a deportation order.

What followed were the most difficult months of Rose’s life as she struggled to make ends meet and provide for her son who stood in front of the window everyday calling for his dad. But an amazing thing happened—after Rose started a campaign on Change.org to free her husband, thousands began to sign. FIEL Houston, a local student-led organization, saw her petition and offered to help, staging a vigil in front of the detention center attended by more than 50 local supporters. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee got involved and contacted ICE on Rose’s behalf. And after more than 4,000 signed Rose’s petition and the story was covered by the Houston Chronicle and multiple local TV stations, Jose was finally freed and is now home with his family.

“Seven months and four days felt like years to me being in a detention facility not knowing what my wife is doing to make ends meet,” said Jose. “I feel as if God gave me another chance and I won't let it go by…I am going to do what I need to do to make things right. I would like to thank those who helped my wife, and especially those who took the time to sign my petition...without you this would not be possible. Thank you all.”

Added Rose, as she reunited with her husband for the first time:

“Words can't express the feeling that I am feeling at this moment. It is so unreal to me. I see it and I still can't believe it. We are so happy the missing piece is finally in place. We are complete. I know all this was possible thanks to God and all those who signed Jose’s petition. We would like to thank them all--a family is finally reunited! I feel lucky having him back home with me and little Walter is so happy. He recognized Jose right away saying, ‘papi,’ throwing his hands at him. I am so blessed my family is back together.”

Abraham Espinosa and Cesar Espinosa of FIEL Houston helped Rose, Jose, and baby Walter film a video to thank Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee and the more than 4,000 supporters who signed Rose’s petition:

While Rose and Jose are happily reunited, dozens of families are fighting to stay together. Elizabeth started a petition to stop the deportation of her husband Mauricio. A young Florida woman, Michelle Suarez, is fighting for her parents. And Sworna Gomes is fighting to keep a North Carolina school bus driver, Mark Gomes, home with his family. As Rose's campaign demonstrates, your voice can help each of these families -- please take a moment to sign their petitions. If there's something you want to change, start your own petition here.