They Voted for Trump and Now Their Son Is in ICE Detention: A Family’s Regret and Struggle
Choosing a leader can have consequences that reach far beyond the voting booth. For one American family, their support for Donald Trump in the 2024 election led to an unexpected and painful experience. They voted for Trump and now their son is in ICE detention—a reality with profound personal and political implications.
The Family’s Unexpected Ordeal
Martin Verdi and Débora Rey are Argentine-Americans who believed their vote for Trump would align with a secure, orderly border. They never imagined it would result in their own son’s incarceration by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). After moving to the United States in the mid-1990s, their son Agustin Gentile grew up as a legal permanent resident, secured a green card, and became the father of two U.S. citizen children.
Agustin’s life took a sharp turn when a prior misdemeanor—a 2020 California conviction—was cited during a routine return to the U.S. from abroad. Immigration officials confiscated his documents and detained him. The family drove nine hours to visit him at Georgia’s Stewart Detention Center—the second largest in the country. At El Refugio, a hospitality house near the jail, Martin and Débora grappled with the reality that their beliefs and their votes influenced their son’s current suffering. Read the full story and personal accounts in this in-depth coverage by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Immigration Policy: The Unintended Targets
Verdi and Rey's story is not isolated. Hundreds of legal immigrants, even longstanding residents with green cards, face detention if they have minor convictions. Under recent policies, misdemeanor offenses—once downgraded or overlooked—now trigger aggressive enforcement. Many families, like the Verdi-Rey family, feel blindsided. As Debora Rey stated, "We feel betrayed, tricked... he said he was going to go after all the criminals who came illegally."
This sense of betrayal resonates with others. Some Trump voters, like Sara Baruth, have publicly expressed regret as their loved ones face deportation processes. The increased scrutiny and zero-tolerance approach have swept up not only those without legal status but also many with deep American ties.
Experiences Inside ICE Detention Centers
Conditions in immigration jails such as Stewart Detention Center remain controversial. Families report overcrowding, limited access to personal necessities, and emotional distress not just for detainees but for their children left behind. For Agustin Gentile, being the only person with legal papers among detainees was particularly jarring.
Even with legal resources and English proficiency, the Verdi-Rey family struggles to navigate this system. Many others without these advantages face an even steeper battle, often at the risk of separation or permanent deportation. Read more about families feeling misled and betrayed by policy outcomes on Alternet.org.
Regret, Reflection, and Moving Forward
Martin and Débora now openly acknowledge a sense of regret. Their story underscores how they voted for Trump and now their son is in ICE detention—a personal example of the far-reaching effects of electoral choices. Across the nation, public support for aggressive immigration enforcement has shifted, with many Americans reconsidering what secure borders and fair immigration really mean.
The family’s ordeal is a powerful reminder of the importance of staying informed about policy impacts. The ripple effect from one vote can mean everything to a family, highlighting the complexities of immigration law and the human stories behind the headlines.
Conclusion: Understanding the Real Impact
The Verdi-Rey family’s experience is a cautionary tale. They are far from alone in their regret after seeing loved ones targeted by policies they once supported. As voting season and policy debates continue, it remains essential for every voter to look beyond promises and consider the true consequences of their choices.
For more personal accounts, responses from officials, and in-depth policy analysis, explore:
- They voted for Trump and their green-card son is in ICE detention – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
- Mom Says Trump Vote 'Cost Me Immensely' as Child's Father Faces Deportation – Newsweek
- ‘Massive deception’: Trump voters ‘feel betrayed’ after ICE detains son – Alternet.org
Has your family been affected by changing immigration enforcement? Share your story and stay informed about your rights and options.