Unveiling the Truth: Wife of Immigrant Injured in ICE Facility Shooting Shares Heartfelt Story

In Dallas, Stephany Gauffeny sits in a law office, her pregnant belly prominent. While she should be preparing for the arrival of her fifth child, her mind is troubled by her husband, Miguel Angel Garcia-Hernandez.

Garcia-Hernandez is on life support after a tragic shooting incident at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. He was detained there following a DUI arrest in August and is in the U.S. without legal status.

“What if he never meets our son?” Gauffeny shared her fears, highlighting the emotional weight of her situation. On one visit, she was devastated to see him shackled, unable to move. ICE agents control access to his hospital room, making it hard for her and his family to visit.

Besides Garcia-Hernandez, another detainee, Jose Andres Bordones-Molina, was also injured in the shooting, while a third victim, Norlan Guzman Fuentes from El Salvador, lost his life. The shooter, identified as Joshua Jahn, died from a self-inflicted wound. Reports indicate he sought to “terrorize” ICE agents but tragically targeted detainees instead.

Gauffeny wants the world to know who her husband truly is. “He was not just an immigrant or a detainee,” she insisted. They’re working on getting him permanent residency, as she is a U.S. citizen. “Security needs to improve in these facilities,” she expressed, stressing the need for better protection for those inside.

Garcia-Hernandez, a 31-year-old from Mexico, has lived in the U.S. since his teenage years and worked as a house painter before his detention. He has always been the family’s primary provider, and his absence is deeply felt. Gauffeny recounts fond memories of him—his humor, kindness, and dedication to family. “He loves being a dad,” she said, noting how their four children miss him dearly.

The children are noticing their mother’s frequent hospital visits, and Gauffeny is worried about meeting their needs. “We have a GoFundMe campaign to help with groceries and bills,” she mentioned, a stark reminder of their current struggles.

The emotional and financial aftermath of this event is significant. A recent survey indicated that nearly 60% of detainees have faced trauma while in custody, exposing a pressing need for humane treatment within the system.

These circumstances raise questions about how the community and government can support families caught in similar crises. More voices like Gauffeny’s are essential for change. As this story unfolds, it emphasizes the importance of compassion, understanding, and the need for reform in how immigrants and detainees are treated.

For further insights, you can read about detainee treatment and reforms in immigration policies [here](https://www.aclu.org/news/immigrants-rights/how-immigration-detention-harms-immigrants-and-communities).

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