A Maryland family’s fresh start in Oklahoma City took a devastating turn when federal agents mistakenly raided their new home. Though not named in the warrant, the family says immigration officers stormed their house, leaving them terrified and stripped of their belongings.
A New Life in Oklahoma Turns into a Nightmare
Just two weeks after relocating from Maryland, Marisa and her three daughters were settling into a quieter life in northwest Oklahoma City. Her husband was still in Maryland, planning to join them soon. But early Thursday morning, peace shattered as around 20 armed men broke into their home.
“They busted in with guns,” Marisa said. “We had no idea who they were—it was dark, all the lights were off.”
Agents Claimed They Had a Warrant
According to Marisa, the armed individuals identified themselves as members of ICE, the FBI, and U.S. Marshals. They claimed to have a search warrant for the house. However, Marisa noted that the names listed on the warrant did not belong to her or her family.
The names matched old mail from previous residents, yet the agents still forced the family outside in the rain, barely dressed.
“They didn’t even let us change. My minor daughter stood outside in her underwear. Even her father hasn’t seen her like that out of respect,” Marisa explained.
Treated Like Criminals Despite Being Citizens
Marisa repeatedly told the agents that her family were U.S. citizens and had no connection to the individuals on the warrant.
“I kept saying, ‘We’re citizens.’ But they didn’t care,” she said. “They treated us like criminals.”
The agents reportedly searched the entire home, confiscating phones, laptops, and the family’s life savings in cash, leaving them with nothing.
“I told them, I just moved here. I have no money, no phone. How am I supposed to feed my kids or get around?” Marisa recalled. “It felt like they abandoned us like dogs.”
Official Response Conflicting
The U.S. Marshals Service denied involvement in the raid, stating they were only aware it would happen. However, the FBI confirmed they were assisting in the operation and directed further inquiries to Homeland Security.
The conflicting reports have only added to the family’s confusion and trauma. Marisa said the agents didn’t even leave a business card, and she has no idea whom to contact about retrieving her belongings.
A Lingering Sense of Fear and Injustice
“What if I had been armed? What was I supposed to think when they busted in?” Marisa asked. “I thought we were being robbed or that someone was trying to kidnap my daughters.”
She questioned how such treatment could be justified when her family are citizens who had done nothing wrong.
“We bleed too. We’re scared too. Why aren’t our lives, our peace, worth the same?” she said.
No Timeline for Recovery
Marisa was told it could take days or even months to get their possessions back. Meanwhile, she and her daughters are trying to cope with the emotional toll of the raid.
“One of them told me, ‘It was a little rough this morning.’ That was the only acknowledgment,” she said. “But they traumatized us for life.”
Conclusion
What was meant to be a new beginning for this family has turned into a battle for answers, justice, and healing. As they wait in limbo, their experience highlights growing concerns about accountability and mistaken identity in federal operations.
