Florida Dad Of 6, Family's Sole Breadwinner, Faces Deportation

PLANT CITY, FL — A Florida construction worker and father of six who has been in the U.S. illigeally for more than two decades has been detained by federal immigration authorities and now faces deportation, local media outlets reported.

On Tuesday, Luis Blanco, a Mexican immigrant who is the sole breadwinner in his family, hugged his kids and wife before reporting to federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Tampa. Church leaders and immigration groups sang and prayed for him outside the building, WFTS-TV reported. He was detained an hour later.

Daniela Hogue, his lawyer, told the station Blanco, of Plant City, could be deported at any moment.

“It’s very likely that he will be deported," said Hogue, "I doubt that they are taking into consideration the humanitarian factors.”

The station said ICE had allowed Blanco to stay because he was the only person earning money in his family. His most recent application was denied though.

A spokesperson for ICE told the station Blanco has a criminal record and that they don't make exceptions for people in the county unlawfully. WFTS-TV said records showed he drove with tinted windows and without a license.

Blanco's 15-year-old daughter Jennifer told WFLA-TV she feels his possible deportation is unjust.

“It was pretty heartbreaking because I know my dad, you know, he just wants the best for us and seeing him have to go into this detention is pretty heartbreaking because I know we are all scared and he’s scared to go back to his country,” she said.

Sonya Madrano, 19, told media outlets she planned to go to college but will now likely have to provide for her family.

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