Cleveland, Texas – February 24
In a small Texas town, Erik Payan was going about his day at the tire repair shop he’s owned for years when armed immigration agents stormed in, turning his routine into a nightmare.

“They’ve got me,” Erik told his wife, filling her heart with dread as she listened helplessly on the phone.

This terrifying scene, although not uncommon, has drawn sharp criticism as President Trump’s aggressive stance on immigration intensifies fear among undocumented individuals. For many, the threat of deportation looms larger than ever.

Erik Payan’s Journey
A Mexican national, Erik has spent 20 of his 51 years in the U.S. He arrived on a work visa but remained when it expired, building a life with his wife and three daughters, one of whom was born in the U.S.

He’s a legitimate business owner, paying taxes and a mortgage, and is a loving father to a disabled daughter and a grandchild with a heart condition. His church community and neighbors vouch for his character, but Erik faces an uncertain future without legal documents.

The Undocumented Experience
Erik’s plight resonates with millions of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. While the official count is 11 million, some estimates suggest it could be as high as 14 million. Historically, many of these individuals have lived under the radar, filling critical roles in essential but low-paying jobs.

But with Trump’s aggressive rhetoric, the narrative has shifted to painting them as threats, with promises to deport millions.

A Call to Action
Erik, who has no criminal record, became a target after Trump ramped up nationwide raids shortly after his re-election.

His wife, Alejandrina Morales, publicly shared their ordeal, expressing her heartache. “I cried, but I knew crying wouldn’t help,” she said, filled with a fierce determination to fight for her husband.

Legal Battles Ahead
Erik’s attorney, Silvia Mintz, reassured them that, despite the chaos, the law grants rights to due process. “Every person in the U.S. has the right to have a judge decide their fate,” she stated, emphasizing the legal paths available to undocumented immigrants.

Using Erik’s clean record and tax history, Mintz secured his release after a lengthy 27-day detention, igniting the fight for his legal status.

A Fresh Start
With his release, Erik wasted no time reopening his tire shop, proclaiming, “We are not criminals; we’re hard-working people.” He argues that while not everyone who comes to the U.S. might have good intentions, the vast majority do.

According to estimates, undocumented workers contributed $97 billion in taxes in 2022 alone, with their absence risking a severe economic downturn.

Community Support
Cesar Espinosa, executive director of the NGO FIEL, advocates for immigrant contributions to society, urging for reforms that would allow many the chance to pursue the American dream.

During his detention, Erik faced harsh conditions, yet now, he’s back in his tire shop, welcomed by honks of celebration from loyal customers. Alejandrina captures their struggle perfectly, saying, “They had taken the captain of my boat, and I was rowing alone.”

Their journey is just beginning, but together, they are ready to navigate the storm of legal challenges ahead.