by ERIC WILKINSON / KING 5 News
TUKWILA, Wash. — The Robles girls are a tough bunch. They’re defiantly taking on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The trio, 19, 14 and 4 years old, along with supporters, picketed the department’s Tukwila headquarters Thursday afternoon. Their tough exteriors, however, couldn’t hide the fear in their hearts.
“I’ve never been more scared in my life,” said a tearful 14-year-old Yuritzy. “Any minute I could lose my dad.”
Her dad will likely be deported Friday morning.
Jose Robles came to America from Mexico illegally 13 years ago to give his girls a better life. He and his wife run their own painting business, working up to 14 hours a day to keep the family fed and the rent on their Lakewood trailer paid. Modest as it is, it’s their version of the American dream.
“I can’t imagine going back to Mexico,” said 19-year-old Brenda, who recently graduated from Clover Park Technical High School. “It’s so dangerous. You just never know what might happen.”
Robles came to the attention of authorities in 2010 after an argument with a neighbor. He was arrested, but charges were never filed. He was released and told to return to Mexico. His baby Natalie had just been born and his daughter Brenda was in high school. He wanted to see his baby grow and his daughter graduate. Robles knew the family would fall apart financially if they lost his income, so he stayed.
“It’s all going to go to waste because they’re deciding to send him away,” said Yuritzy. “It’s not fair.”