Detained Immigrants: The Troubling Journey of Jose and Josue Trejo Lopez

In a sobering narrative that echoes the struggles of many young immigrants, Jose and Josue Trejo Lopez’s quest for legal residency took a drastic turn during a routine immigration check-in in New York City. What began as an obligation to fulfill immigration requirements quickly escalated into a harrowing situation that led to their detention and eventual deportation back to El Salvador. This article delves into their challenging circumstances and the wider implications of U.S. immigration policy during a turbulent political climate.

The Check-In That Changed Everything

On that fateful day in March, Jose Trejo Lopez believed he and his brother Josue were simply attending a routine immigration appointment, a normal occurrence in the nearly decade-long journey since they fled El Salvador with their mother. Over the years, these check-ins had often disrupted their education and social lives, shrouding them in embarrassment yet compelling them to adhere to legal obligations.

“You have to follow the law, because when you follow the law, things go well, right?” Jose expressed. However, as they arrived for their 8 AM appointment, rumors were rife about immigration agents arresting individuals during these routine sessions. What was supposed to be a simple check-in quickly spiraled into chaos when both brothers were handcuffed within minutes.

The Impact of a Changing Political Landscape

During the early months of President Donald Trump’s second term, the immigration landscape transformed dramatically. His administration’s intention to intensify deportations raised questions about the treatment of immigrants during their check-ins, which historically catered to individuals awaiting their cases without being deemed public threats.

Despite Trump’s assertions that his administration would prioritize the arrest of the most dangerous criminals, statistics reveal a sobering truth. As of November, 73% of over 65,000 immigrants in ICE detention had no criminal convictions, with a significant portion lacking any pending charges. The brothers, who had always reported to ICE without incident, found themselves caught in a system that appeared increasingly hostile toward immigrants regardless of their status.

Fighting for Legal Residency

Jose and Josue’s journey began in 2016 when they fled gang violence in El Salvador. They were stopped at the southern U.S. border and released as they sought asylum, continuing to navigate a complex immigration system that eventually led to a denial of their case due to the nature of their claims.

By 2025, while an attorney had initiated a process for them to apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status—a pathway for young immigrants who faced abuse or neglect—the sudden interruption of their lives became painfully evident. Their detention at a routine check-in raised legal questions, especially given their pending cases.

The Long Road Back to El Salvador

Following their detention, the brothers experienced a grim two-month ordeal before being forcibly returned to El Salvador. In a detention facility, they adapted to a harsh environment, with Jose helping orchestrate church services and Josue taking on kitchen duties. Nonetheless, their hopes of avoiding deportation dwindled as the days passed.

On their mother’s birthday, they were summoned for processing, filled with anticipation that was soon quashed when they were placed on a flight back to the country they had fled. Jose remembered the moment vividly, realizing that their dreams and futures were left behind as the plane took off.

Adjusting to Life in Limbo

After nine years in the U.S., Jose and Josue found themselves in a foreign land without support, grappling with feelings of abandonment and despair. Their future felt uncertain as they searched for guidance in a country that had been their refuge. They quickly faced the grim realities of deportation, with no one waiting for them at the immigration processing center.

“I looked at my brother and said, ‘Now what? What do we do?’” Jose recounted. Their transition back to El Salvador proved challenging, as they dealt with the psychological repercussions of their experience, including PTSD and depression.

Hope and Uncertainty

Months later, the brothers are still seeking the possibility of reuniting with family members left behind. Their attorney remains hopeful and has filed several appeals on their behalf, while Jose continues to question the viability of legal pathways for individuals like them. “So what is the legal pathway?” he asked. “There isn’t one.”