From the moment he became a father, Danilo vowed to safeguard his children and provide them with the best life he could. Like countless other parents, his greatest wish was for his children to thrive, to be safe, and to have every opportunity to grow into happy, healthy adults.
Starting a family is not a decision taken lightly, and it often comes with unexpected challenges. As a single parent, Danilo had to step into both caregiving and financial provider roles after his marriage ended.
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.
When the government began pressuring citizens to join violent movements, Danilo refused. His defiance led to his car being set on fire, a violent assault, theft of his belongings, and threats against his life and his children’s lives.
Forced to flee
Fearing for their safety, Danilo made the heart-wrenching decision to leave Nicaragua. In August 2021, he and his children left their home and everything they had ever known. Leaving one’s country is an act of desperation, driven by the instinct to protect loved ones. Their journey was fraught with uncertainty and peril. They slept in bus stations, endured hunger, and battled the cold. Watching his children suffer was unbearable for Danilo, but he kept moving forward, driven by the hope of finding safety.
Every year, thousands of Central American families arrive in Mexico seeking a better future. According to the National Migration Institute, nearly 1.4 million migrants from 177 countries have arrived in Mexico so far in 2024, most intending to cross into the United States.
A glimmer of hope
When Danilo and his children arrived in Mexico, he felt a momentary sense of 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 well-being.
Eventually, Danilo learned that his children had been placed in the care of the SOS Children’s Village in Comitán. Immigration authorities informed him that he had 28 days to regularize his immigration status or leave Mexico. Returning to Nicaragua was not an option due to the severe threats against them. Alone and desperate, Danilo focused all his efforts on reuniting with his children.
Seeing Mateo* (16) and Valeria* (12) again was one of the most emotional moments of Danilo’s life. They shared stories of the kindness and care they had received at the SOS Children’s Village, bringing him immense relief. Danilo realized how fortunate they were to encounter such support during their darkest hour.
Since 2018, SOS Children’s Villages 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 was able to regularize his immigration status. Today, he and his children are permanent residents of Mexico. The organization also helped him find a job as a security guard, enabling him to rent a home and enroll his children in school.
Moving forward
Danilo doesn’t regret leaving Nicaragua. He made the choice to protect his children, even if it meant sacrificing everything. While their journey has been difficult, it has brought them to a place of safety and hope.
Starting over is daunting, but it is also an opportunity. Through hard work and determination, Danilo is building a new life for his family. 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. Together, they are proving that even in the face of unimaginable challenges, love and perseverance can pave the way for a brighter future.
*Names changed to protect privacy.