By Jaimie Julia Winters
Four months ago, Gabriela Soto of Kearny was focused on raising her two young children, preparing for a third baby, and building a life with her husband in New Jersey.
Last week, she was helping lead a movement.
The transformation began unexpectedly one February evening when her husband, Martin Soto, left their Kearny home to buy diapers and never returned. Hours later, Gabriela learned he had been detained by immigration authorities and taken to Delaney Hall, an immigration detention center in Newark.
At first, her goal was simple: bring her husband home.
The couple had built a life together after meeting in Peru years earlier. Gabriela, a U.S. citizen, and Martin maintained a long-distance relationship before settling in New Jersey, marrying, and welcoming two children. A third child is on the way.
“He came here to raise his daughter and be a father to his son,” Gabriela said. “He came here to make a life with me and our children.”
When Martin was detained, Gabriela suddenly found herself working multiple jobs, caring for two children alone, preparing for a new baby, and making regular trips to visit her husband. She launched a fundraiser, sought legal help, and leaned on support from family, friends, church members, and even Martin’s employer.
What she didn’t expect was how many other families she would meet along the way, a handful from Kearny. During visits to Delaney Hall, Gabriela listened to stories from wives, mothers, fathers, and children facing similar struggles. She met people waiting months to see loved ones released and families trying to navigate a complicated immigration system. Slowly, her fight expanded beyond her own family.
Then, in May, detainees launched a hunger strike after reports of deteriorating conditions inside the facility. Gabriela said her husband and others complained about inadequate food, medical care, and living conditions. The strike quickly drew public attention and became a rallying point for families and advocates.
Soon, Gabriela found herself organizing demonstrations outside Delaney Hall and speaking publicly about the concerns detainees were raising.
“That’s when I knew this was bigger than my husband,” she said. “I had to fight for the others.”
The movement reached a turning point over Memorial Day weekend.
Gabriela said Martin was told he would be released, only to learn he was instead being transferred. When supporters gathered outside Delaney Hall, what began as concern for one detainee evolved into an overnight vigil that attracted families, clergy, community advocates, members of Congress, Senator Andy Kim, and Governor Mikie Sherrill.
For Gabriela, the experience revealed the power of community and solidarity.
People from different backgrounds came together for a common purpose. Families who had never met supported one another. Elected officials listened to their stories. Strangers stood side by side throughout the night.
“Standing in front of that van that was trying to take my husband away, standing my ground, I grew stronger,” Gabriela said.
Martin was ultimately transferred to the Elizabeth Detention Center, where he remains while legal proceedings continue. His attorney has filed an emergency petition seeking his release.
Meanwhile, the attention generated by the protests has brought increased scrutiny to conditions inside Delaney Hall and prompted calls for greater transparency. Family visitation, which had been suspended during the protests, has since been restored.
Gov. Sherrill acknowledged that more work remains to be done, including efforts to improve conditions and increase transparency. Senator Kim led a congressional delegation to tour the facility and heard the stories of a pregnant woman struggling to nurse her baby born inside, a student who should be attending prom and high school graduation, and a cancer patient who wanted to go home to die.
For Gabriela, however, the change has also been personal.
The woman who once spent her days focused primarily on work and family now speaks before crowds, organizes events, and advocates for people she believes have been overlooked.
She still spends hours traveling to visit her husband. She still balances construction and landscaping jobs while raising her children. She still hopes Martin will come home soon.
But she has also discovered a larger purpose.
The quiet mother who once focused solely on her home and children became a determined advocate. Today, what began as a wife’s effort to reunite her family has become something much bigger: a mission to ensure that families like hers are seen, heard, and supported. As her responsibilities grew, so did her confidence. Whether speaking with reporters, elected officials, community leaders, or other families, Gabriela remained focused on a simple message: people deserve to be heard.
“The number one thing they need and deserve is to be heard,” Gabriela said.
The transformation surprised even her.
“I never planned for any of this,” she said.
But she found purpose in helping others feel less alone. That belief was tested during a dramatic Memorial Day weekend, when a planned transfer involving Martin sparked protests and drew supporters from across New Jersey. What stood out to Gabriela wasn’t the conflict — it was the solidarity. Families stood together. Faith leaders showed up. Elected officials listened. Strangers offered support.
For Gabriela, the experience reinforced an important lesson: communities are strongest when people refuse to look away from one another’s struggles.
It’s not the life she imagined. But she says the journey has taught her resilience, courage, and the power of community.
She often reflects on the sacrifices immigrants make to create better futures for their families.
“What does a great America look like?” she asked. “Immigrants are what make America great. They come here for the American dream, but immigrants are the American dream.”
Though Martin’s future remains uncertain, Gabriela remains hopeful.
What started as a wife’s effort to reunite her family has become a mission to encourage others, build connections, and ensure people feel seen during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
For Gabriela, the greatest lesson has been discovering that ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference simply by refusing to give up.
“The number one thing they need and deserve is to be heard,” she said.
And through her own voice, Gabriela is helping make sure they are.
Featured photo: Gabriela speaking with Gov. Sherril on Memorial Day outside Delaney Hall. Courtesy Governor’s Office.
