MIAMI (AP) — The U.S.'s strict immigration policies are causing deep emotional scars for families seeking safety and better lives. Stories emerging from the borders show the severe impact of these regulations, as parents and children are torn apart, leaving many to navigate a labyrinth of uncertainty.

With over 66,000 individuals detained on average, many are facing deportation after lengthy separations. New policies force families to choose between staying together and risking their safety back home, or pursuing their dreams of a stable life in the U.S. alone.

In poignant accounts from families across Latin America, we see the anguish of separation. Antonio Laverde's arrest left his wife and children grieving, while Yaoska's husband was deported after enduring threats in Nicaragua. Such stories shed light on the human cost of immigration enforcement.

These families are caught in a cruel cycle where dreams of freedom clash with reality. As they chase a better life, they find themselves grappling with loss, fear, and uncertainty. The divisive impact of these policies highlights a need for compassion in immigration reform.