U.S. Citizen, 18, Becomes Sole Caregiver After Mother’s ICE Arrest

An 18-year-old U.S. citizen in New Orleans is now the sole guardian for his younger sister after federal immigration agents arrested his mother this week. The arrest is part of a wider immigration enforcement operation in the city that has sparked street protests. Jonathan Escalante told CBS News that his mother was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on Monday. As a result, he has assumed full care of his 9-year-old sister. “I am afraid of ICE agents just stopping me,” Escalante said, expressing his personal fears despite his citizenship status. His case highlights the broader community impact of immigration arrests, which can separate families and leave dependents in crisis.