On Monday, the Mexican Consulate in San Jose was crowded with people handling passport and ID card matters as it launched its legal education week.

This comes amid weeks of difficult conversations among immigrant families nationwide, centered on a crucial question: What happens to children if their parents are deported?

Mexican Consul General Ambassador Alejandra Bologna reassured visitors that she understands the fear many are experiencing due to President Donald Trump’s new immigration policies, particularly the concern that parents might be detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, leaving their children behind.

Norma Sapien, an immigrant living in the Bay Area, shared that she grapples with this fear every day.

To help families prepare, Bologna is advising immigrants to develop a detailed family plan, especially in case a parent is detained unexpectedly during the day.

This plan should address essential questions: Who will pick up the children from school? Who will take them to medical appointments? Who will be authorized to make decisions for them if their parents are unable to return home?

It is recommended that parents have a notarized letter designating a trusted person to act on their children’s behalf.

“They must be ready. Our community needs to be prepared because this is a reality,” Bologna emphasized. “Having a plan in place and choosing someone to temporarily care for their children is essential.”

She also stressed the importance of including children in the discussion so they, too, can be prepared.

Sapien admitted that she has yet to have this difficult conversation with her children but acknowledges that the time has come.

Throughout the week, the consulate will provide access to legal experts who will answer families’ questions and help them navigate different scenarios.