Aysaac Correa, an active-duty member of the U.S. Army, is eagerly counting down the days until June 16 when he plans to sell his belongings and relocate to Honduras to reunite with his wife, Shirly Guardado, and their young son.
Guardado was deported after spending over two months in federal custody, and Correa’s emotional response echoes the severity of the couple’s situation. “It was a chill that came down my spine,” Correa stated, contrasting the devastating moment of his wife’s detention with the hope of seeing her again.
Describing her harrowing experience via Facetime, Guardado reported being taken from Montgomery Processing Center in Conroe while shackled alongside mostly male detainees, enduring a flight that traversed through Louisiana and Texas before reaching Honduras.
Correa voiced his discontent with the current administration’s immigration policies, expressing frustration at what he sees as a heartless targeting of individuals involved in the legal system. “This administration, they’re being heartless,” he remarked, criticizing the administration for its treatment of individuals like his wife.
The disappointment runs deep for Correa, who previously supported President Donald Trump, believing that he would focus solely on deporting violent criminals. As a soldier who has dedicated his life to serving the country, Correa conveyed feelings of betrayal: “Putting my life on the line for this country wasn’t an easy decision. Honestly, I just feel betrayed.”
As Correa and Guardado communicate solely via video calls for now, they are looking forward to the time when they can finally reunite. Guardado may have the chance to return to the U.S. legally, but the process is expected to take considerable time, creating additional uncertainty for the family.
The couple is already taking steps toward reuniting, as Correa has applied for a transfer to Soto Cano Air Base, part of the Joint Task Force-Bravo, stationed in Honduras.
Shirly Guardado’s immigration history is complex. In 2014, at only 16 years old, she entered the U.S. illegally and was subsequently issued an expedited removal order. After being released under supervision, she maintained her compliance with immigration authorities, graduated from high school, and married Aysaac in 2022.
In a particularly significant turn of events, USCIS approved Correa’s petition for Guardado in 2023, leading to her surprise arrest by ICE shortly thereafter.
When a petition is approved by USCIS, it indicates that the petitioner has met the eligibility criteria for the immigration benefit they sought. In this case, Correa’s petition was approved on November 18, 2023, enabling him to sponsor Guardado’s request for Military Parole in Place—a form of temporary legal status pending a resolution of her immigration status.
Military Parole in Place (PIP) is a program designed for certain family members of U.S. military personnel who entered the country without authorization. It permits these individuals to remain while addressing their immigration status and potentially seeking permanent residency.
The timeline of events began to draw media attention when Jonathan Mejia from FOX 26 first reported on their family’s plight. Highlights include the alarming sequence of Guardado’s detention and her eventual deportation, which added layers to the couple’s distress.
According to an ICE statement, Guardado, now 27, unlawfully entered the U.S. in 2014 and was apprehended immediately. After processing for expedited removal, she was released on an order of supervision that was in place concerning prior enforcement priorities.
Despite the detention process that followed, Guardado’s application for parole was dismissed on May 29, 2024, leading to her detention by ICE on March 13, 2025, which concluded with her removal to Honduras on May 30, 2025.
ICE further elaborated that individuals in expedited removal proceedings are not entitled to a hearing before a judge or the ability to appeal. Their policies reflect strict adherence to federal immigration laws that mandate the detention of specific populations, including those engaged in expedited removal.
Correa’s story illustrates the profound impact of immigration policy on military families, showcasing the emotional and logistical burdens they face. With their future uncertain, Guardado’s potential return to the U.S. remains reliant on navigating complex legal pathways, including awaiting a reinstatement of her petition under military considerations.
The community has rallied around them, echoing the broader concerns about family separations and the effects of immigration enforcement. As the couple navigates these challenges, their love and commitment to each other provide a poignant glimpse into the personal outcomes of policies that dictate lives.
As they prepare for Aysaac’s move to Honduras, the family’s journey serves as a reminder of the diverse realities facing service members and their families amid shifting immigration regulations.
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