HOUSTON – A Houston mother who says she crossed into the United States illegally and has lived here for more than 20 years is sharing her story after what she believed was legitimate immigration help turned into pressure, threats, and demands for money.
She spoke one-on-one with KPRC 2 News Reporter Ricky Muñoz and asked not to be identified for safety reasons. She said she knows her immigration status is controversial and understands many viewers disagree with people who cross the border illegally. She said she is not asking for sympathy. She said she is speaking out because people like her are often targeted precisely because of their status.
During the interview, she was asked why, out of all the countries in the world, she chose to come to the United States.
She said the decision was driven by survival and stability. She described violence, economic hardship, and a lack of opportunity in her home country. She said the United States represented safety, work, and a future for her family, even if reaching it meant risk.
She said the journey took months. She traveled through multiple regions, crossed borders, and eventually entered the U.S. without legal authorization. She said she arrived with little more than hope and the belief she could build a life through work.
The woman said she settled in Houston more than two decades ago. She found steady work, paid rent, raised her children, and stayed out of trouble. She said she has lived quietly, always aware she is here illegally and that one mistake could change everything.
She said her children are her reason for staying. She said everything she does is centered on keeping them safe and together.
But recently, the woman says her fear of deportation has increased after a close family member was deported.
She described becoming constantly alert, looking out windows before leaving home, and worrying about what would happen to her children if she were taken away. She said fear began to control daily decisions.
That fear is what pushed her to look for immigration help. She said she was not looking for guarantees or shortcuts. She said she wanted information and guidance from someone she believed was qualified.
She said someone contacted her claiming to be an immigration attorney. The messages sounded confident and urgent. She was told help was possible and that things could move quickly.
She was instructed to send money. Later, she was told she would participate in a formal immigration meeting through Zoom.
She said the Zoom call felt official. The people on screen identified themselves by name and presented themselves as a lawyer and an immigration officer. She was asked why she wanted to stay in the United States and was told to keep order during the call.
She said the person claiming to be an immigration agent appeared wearing what looked like an ICE vest. The setting, language, and tone made it feel like a real court proceeding.
The call paused for several minutes. When it resumed, she was told her case had been accepted.
She said she was then told she needed to pay 3,860 dollars so the lawyer could send a money order to immigration. She said she had already sent 2,000 dollars earlier after being given instructions on how to pay.
She said she felt trapped. Questioning the process felt dangerous because of her immigration status. She said fear outweighed doubt in that moment.
Immigration attorney Molly Full reviewed the case details and said multiple warning signs stand out.
Full said one of the most serious red flags is any attorney guaranteeing an outcome. She said immigration attorneys do not make decisions for the government and cannot promise approvals, fast timelines, or certainty.
She said immigration cases are complex and depend on many factors, including a person’s full immigration history, family ties, and any prior encounters with authorities. She said if someone offers a solution without asking detailed questions, that should immediately raise concern.
Full also explained that a receipt notice from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services does not mean a case has been approved. A receipt only confirms that paperwork and fees were received. She said some bad actors file applications that people do not qualify for, knowing a receipt will still be issued, and then use that receipt to convince clients that progress is being made.
She added that certain claims, such as joint applications with the government or unusually fast approvals, are extremely rare under current immigration policies and should be questioned.
Full also warned about payment practices. She said legitimate immigration attorneys typically use written contracts, official business accounts, and transparent billing. Pressure to send money quickly or outside normal business practices is another major red flag.
What federal authorities warn families about
Federal authorities say impersonation of government officials is a growing problem.
Officials say no government agency, local, state, or federal, will ever ask for money or personal information in exchange for taking action on a case. They say threats tied to deportation, arrest, or urgency are commonly used tactics to pressure victims into paying.
Authorities also warn that interviews demanding payment, threats of enforcement, or claims that money will prevent arrest or deportation are not part of any legitimate government process.
Impersonating a government official or law enforcement officer is a serious crime and can carry significant penalties.
Federal authorities say victims of financial fraud should submit a report through ic3.gov as soon as possible.
They say acting quickly is critical, especially in cases involving bank wires or transfers, because early reporting increases the chances of stopping or recovering funds.
She said she understands her story will be judged through the lens of immigration politics. She said her goal is not to debate immigration policy or justify her actions.
She said her goal is to warn others who live in fear and may hesitate to question authority because of their status.
She said fear made her vulnerable, and she hopes sharing her experience helps someone else pause before trusting what appears official.