February 14, 2026

Taken by ICE

As the Trump administration aims to deport millions of people over the next four years, “Reveal” tells the human stories of those caught up in ICE raids.

A young woman and girl, both with long dark hair, stand together crying in front of the partially open doors of an elevator. Standing across from them are masked agents wearing dark colors and tactical vests.

Federal agents attempt to detain a family member after they exit immigration court in New York City.Michael M. Santiago/Getty

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Cecelia Lizotte owns Suya Joint, a celebrated Nigerian restaurant in Boston. She’s a rising star in the city who was nominated for a James Beard Award in 2024 and operates two restaurants and a food truck. But last year, a key employee—who happens to be her brother—was detained by ICE. 

“I’m not able to operate the establishment, basically,” Lizotte said. “It’s just, it’s crazy.”

Lizotte’s experience got us wondering what it’s like to run a restaurant, or any business, when a key employee suddenly disappears. 

This week on Reveal, producer Katie Mingle and reporter Julia Lurie tell stories about the people swept up in President Donald Trump’s mass deportations and the families that are left behind. We also talk to LA Taco reporter Memo Torres about how immigration raids continue across Los Angeles almost daily, even though the national spotlight moved on months ago. 

The first two stories are updates from an episode that originally aired in September 2025.

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We don't answer to billionaires. We answer to you.

You've watched it happen in real time: corporate media cutting staff, killing stories, and bending to power. The giants of American media have owners to protect, and the truth pays the price.

None of it should surprise us. The problem with American journalism has always been that we entrusted this vital public service to for-profit companies whose allegiance could shift with the political winds and the bottom line.

That is why Mother Jones is independent from billionaires, corporations, and any other deep-pockets owner—and has been since we were founded 50 years ago. We’re only answering to our readers. To you.

We’re funded by our readers too. This week, we have a generous $50,000 match for all donations, meaning that your donation—and your impact—will be doubled. Gifts from readers like you help keep us fiercely independent and telling the truth about those in power.

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