Fleeing from Nicaragua to Mexico: A father’s journey to protect his family
For many parents, their children are their most cherished treasure. This sentiment is true for Danilo*, a father who made unimaginable sacrifices to protect his children when threats forced them to flee Nicaragua.
Danilo vowed to safeguard his children and provide them with the best life possible. Like countless other parents, his greatest wish was for his children to thrive, stay safe, and have every opportunity to grow into happy, healthy adults.
After his marriage ended, Danilo faced the challenge of meeting all his children’s emotional and financial needs on his own.
Originally from Nicaragua, Danilo worked as an agricultural engineer, training others in sustainable farming and managing grain production. However, the demands of being a single father made it increasingly difficult to leave his children alone during his long work hours. His struggles worsened as Nicaragua’s political turmoil escalated.
Danilo’s refusal to comply with government-aligned armed groups made him a target. His car was set on fire, he was violently assaulted, his belongings were stolen, and he received threats against his life and his children’s safety.
Leaving everything behind
Fearing for their lives, Danilo made the heart-wrenching decision to leave Nicaragua. Together with his children, they left their home and everything they had ever known, the life he had worked so hard to build. Leaving one’s country is rarely a choice, but often an act of desperation driven by the instinct to protect loved ones at any cost.
Their journey was gruelling. They slept in bus stations, endured hunger, and battled the cold. Watching his children suffer was unbearable for Danilo, but his determination to find safety for his family kept him moving forward.
Danilo’s experience is one of thousands. Every year, families escaping violence, political persecution, or deepening economic hardship embark on perilous journeys to Mexico, driven by the hope of a better life.
Support in their darkest hour
When Danilo and his children arrived in Mexico, he felt momentary relief. However, during a routine bus inspection by immigration authorities, Danilo was detained and separated from his children. For 13 agonizing days, he had no information about their whereabouts or wellbeing.
Eventually, Danilo learned that his children had been placed in the care of SOS Children’s Villages in Comitán. Immigration authorities informed him he had 28 days to legalize his stay in Mexico or leave the country. Returning to Nicaragua was not an option due to the severe threats against them. Alone and desperate, Danilo focused his time and energy on reuniting with his children.
Seeing Mateo* (16) and Valeria* (12) again was emotional. They shared stories of the kindness and care they had received at SOS Children’s Villages, bringing him immense relief. Danilo realized how fortunate they were to encounter such support during their darkest hour.
Since 2018, SOS Children’s Villages Mexico in Comitán has provided critical support to more than 600 unaccompanied children and young people, offering essentials like food, healthcare, and legal assistance.
With their help, Danilo secured legal status in Mexico. Today, he and his children are permanent residents. SOS Children’s Villages also helped him find a job as a security guard, enabling him to rent a home and enroll his children in school.
Looking ahead with hope
Danilo has no regrets about leaving Nicaragua. He chose to protect his children, even at the cost of everything familiar. While the journey has been difficult, it has brought them to a place of safety and new beginnings.
Starting over is daunting, but Danilo is building a better life for his family through hard work and determination. Mateo and Valeria are thriving, and their smiles remind him daily that the sacrifices were worth it.
Their story is one of resilience and the unbreakable bond between a father and his children, a testament to how love and perseverance can shape a brighter future.
*Names changed to protect privacy.