They Voted for Trump and Now Their Son Is in ICE Detention: A Family’s Unexpected Ordeal
Few families expect their lives to be upended by policies they once supported. The story of Martin Verdi and Debora Rey sharply illustrates what can happen when personal beliefs collide with real-world consequences. They voted for Trump and now their son is in ICE detention—a situation they never saw coming.
The Unfolding Crisis: How Politics Became Personal
Martin Verdi and Debora Rey are Argentine Americans who became U.S. citizens in North Carolina. In 2024, they cast their votes for former President Donald Trump, believing his promises on border security and law enforcement were necessary for national safety. What they didn’t realize was how these policies could disrupt families like their own. Their son, Agustin Gentile, a legal green-card holder, was detained by ICE at the Stewart Detention Center in Georgia.
Their journey and regret are detailed in this Atlanta Journal-Constitution article. Agustin’s childhood was spent in the U.S., and he is now the father of two American citizens. Still, a past misdemeanor conviction put his status in jeopardy when he returned from an international trip. At the airport, authorities confiscated his legal documents and sent him to ICE detention.
Detainment Despite Legal Status
The Trump administration’s immigration policies increased scrutiny not only on undocumented immigrants, but also on green-card holders. Any criminal record, even minor or dated, can make a permanent resident vulnerable. The AJC report describes how Agustin’s parents were shocked to learn that removal proceedings can begin for minor infractions. They felt betrayed, believing the administration’s crackdown would only target undocumented criminals.
Their experience is, sadly, not unique. Many other families have been caught in similar situations. As highlighted in a Yahoo News story, the couple’s sense of betrayal echoes that of others whose loved ones faced ICE detention unexpectedly.
The Human Cost of Immigration Detention
Agustin’s detainment at Stewart Detention Center left his parents struggling to explain his absence to their young grandchildren. According to his mother, Rey, explaining why “daddy is in jail” would be too painful. Conditions inside detention facilities were also reportedly difficult, with issues such as overcrowding and poor food frequently cited.
The emotional toll of ICE detention reaches deep into families. In another example, a mother explained her regret after voting for Trump, describing the experience as having "cost me immensely" as her child’s father faces deportation (Newsweek). These collective stories highlight a divide between political expectation and real-life outcomes for families navigating America’s immigration system.
Regret, Reflection, and the Path Forward
Verdi and Rey now wish they had understood the implications of the policies they backed. Their disappointment is shared by many, as national polls show declining approval for Trump’s immigration enforcement after the effects became clear.
While they are better equipped than some others—they speak English and can hire attorneys—not every family has these resources. Some opt for self-deportation, driven by fear and uncertainty the system creates.
Conclusion: Lessons for All Voters
The case of the Verdi-Rey family is a stark reminder that voting choices have direct, often unforeseen impacts. They voted for Trump and now their son is in ICE detention—a reality they never anticipated. As these stories gain national attention, they urge voters to look beyond campaign promises and consider the human consequences of immigration policy.
For more details, read the full AJC coverage and Yahoo News analysis. If you or a loved one faces similar challenges, seek legal advice and support organizations experienced in immigration matters.