What the Kilmar Abrego Garcia Case Teaches Us About Protecting Families Through the Law
The headlines about Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Panamanian father separated from his five-year-old U.S. citizen son, brought to light a heartbreaking reality. Despite having lived in the U.S. for more than a decade under legal protection known as withholding of removal, Kilmar was detained by immigration authorities and mistakenly deported — while his young son, a U.S. citizen, was placed alone in foster care, frightened, confused, and cut off from the only parent he knew.
It is a case that has resonated across the country. And it is a stark reminder of how fragile family unity can become when immigration enforcement intersects with child welfare systems and when legal protections are not properly followed or enforced.
In my law practice, I work with families in a variety of ways — helping them protect their rights, maintain family connections, and navigate complex legal processes. Whether it is through guardianship matters, custody cases, estate planning, LGBTQ+ family protection, or family-based immigration, my goal is always the same: to help families stay together and to ensure they are treated with dignity, care, and fairness under the law.
Stories like Kilmar’s are not isolated. They highlight how easily families can be swept into systems that may not prioritize a child’s well-being or a parent’s rights. In this case, it took legal advocates, public attention, and significant effort — including court orders — to bring Kilmar back to the U.S. and reunite him with his son. Without that intervention, the outcome could have been devastating — and permanent.
This is exactly why proactive legal planning matters. When I work with families navigating immigration matters or family-related legal issues, I emphasize the importance of knowing your rights, understanding the legal process, and having a clear plan in place. Too often, families are caught off guard or left trying to react in a crisis. Careful, compassionate legal guidance can make a meaningful difference — not only in the outcome of a case, but in preserving what matters most to a family.
My commitment is to provide that guidance. I approach each case with thoughtfulness and a deep understanding of what is at stake, because behind every legal issue is a family, a story, and real lives that deserve care and respect.
If Kilmar’s story resonates with concerns you may have about immigration and family unity, or if you are facing a complex family law issue, do not wait until a situation becomes urgent. I welcome you to contact me for a confidential consultation. You can reach me at 402-259-0059 or zach@zandersonlaw.com.