Maria, a 16-year-old girl living in Minneapolis, has been forced into hiding alongside her mother Gabriela for over two months due to the threat posed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. The situation escalated dramatically in January when ICE agents confronted students at her high school, using pepper spray against them, which left a lasting impact on the students and heightened their fears of deportation.

Gabriela has been living in the United States undocumented for over 25 years and is preparing for the possibility of deportation by arranging for the custody of her daughter. The anxiety stemming from the ICE’s aggressive tactics has not only affected their family life but has also drawn support from their local community. Neighbors and the local congregation are stepping in to provide food and resources to families like Gabriela's who are living in fear.

The emotional toll on the family is palpable; Gabriela’s demeanor shifts from anxious to alert at the sound of a woman's scream outside, indicating the constant state of vigilance they must maintain. The hostile climate surrounding immigration policies under President Trump has created an environment where families must take extreme measures to protect their loved ones, reflecting the broader implications of ongoing immigration debates in the country.