News Summary
Jerardyn, a Venezuelan refugee, returns to Mexico with her two youngest children after facing trauma from immigration raids in the U.S. Despite applying for asylum, the stress on her family led her to withdraw her application and seek safety in Mexico, where she has begun to rebuild her life.
Los Angeles, California — Jerardyn, a 40-year-old Venezuelan refugee, has made the difficult decision to return to Mexico with her two youngest children after eight months of seeking asylum in the United States. She feared the increasing threat of immigration raids in Southern California, particularly under the then Trump administration, which led her to reconsider her family’s safety.
After settling into the basement of a church in Los Angeles, Jerardyn decided the potential psychological stress on her children was too great. They left behind her two eldest sons, Jesus and Jahir, who are still in the United States applying for asylum. Jerardyn meticulously planned her return, withdrawing her asylum application and finding an apartment near Mexico City.
To prepare for the move, Jerardyn packed their belongings, including toys, clothes, and shoes, and purchased transportation tickets. During the bus ride to Tijuana, her anxiety heightened as they approached the U.S.-Mexico border wall. Upon arrival at the Mexican immigration office, she was initially apprehensive about the possibility of being deported back to Venezuela, but was ultimately granted temporary status to remain in Mexico.
Background of Jerardyn’s Journey
Jerardyn’s journey began amidst a backdrop of violence in Venezuela. She had a comfortable upbringing and aspired to be a social worker, but her life changed drastically following her father’s death, which intensified her family’s struggles. This prompted Jerardyn to flee to Colombia and later to Peru, where they faced many challenges associated with being Venezuelan immigrants.
In an attempt to reach safety and stability, Jerardyn undertook a perilous trek through the Darien Gap, a famously dangerous area between Colombia and Panama, before eventually arriving in Mexico. After settling in Texcoco de Mora while awaiting a chance to enter the U.S., Jerardyn and her children successfully applied for asylum on December 11, 2024, shortly thereafter entering the United States. However, the ongoing fear of immigration enforcement in Los Angeles proved to be overwhelming.
The Decision to Return
After witnessing several immigration raids that left a lasting trauma on her children, Jerardyn concluded that returning to Mexico was the safest option. She submitted a translated request to close her asylum case, mentioning that the situation in the U.S. was too stressful for her and her children. The family’s farewell to her eldest sons was emotional and challenging.
At the Mexican immigration office, although initially detained, they were granted temporary status to remain in the country. Jerardyn quickly found employment at a local hair salon and enrolled her children in school in Mexico, where they began adjusting to their new life.
A New Beginning in Mexico
Following their return, Jerardyn and her children have experienced a sense of relief and newfound safety while residing in Texcoco. They have begun to embrace community connections and participate in local activities, including starting online English classes. Jerardyn has also initiated therapy to work through her traumatic experiences, focusing on building a stable life for her family.
Their newfound stability has allowed Jerardyn to rekindle a relationship with her former fiancé, Gonzalo, which further enhances their sense of belonging. As they navigate life in Mexico, Jerardyn remains committed to creating a nurturing environment for her children while cherishing the lessons learnt from their challenging journey.
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Additional Resources
- ABC7 Chicago
- Wikipedia: Immigration in the United States
- NBC News
- Google Search: California immigration laws
- Politico
- Google Scholar: California immigration policies
- KTLA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration enforcement
- CNN
- Google News: California ICE raids
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
