UPDATE: As immigration enforcement escalates, local hero José Hernández has become a lifeline for undocumented families in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. On a frigid, 13-degree morning, Hernández, a machinist turned volunteer, sits outside a church in Bensalem, receiving urgent calls from families desperate for food.
In the wake of intensified actions by ICE, fear grips the community, where approximately 14% of the township’s 63,000 residents are Latino. Many families live in constant dread of being discovered, with reports indicating that 307,713 people were detained in the U.S. in 2025, a staggering 230% increase from the previous year.
Hernández’s mission began as a simple act of kindness—delivering groceries to those too frightened to venture out. Today, it has become a full-time, unpaid commitment for the 61-year-old. “They come out to pick up their order and you can see the fear in their faces,” Hernández shared. “Many say, ‘Please hurry up, los del Hielo can be here any second.’”
Community members refer to ICE agents with nicknames like “los del Hielo” or “the iced ones,” reflecting the anxiety surrounding their presence. A mother, who requested anonymity, explained, “We try to only go out when the darkness of the night protects us.” The climate of fear has prompted families to keep children home from school and avoid doctors, fundamentally altering daily life.
The emotional toll is evident. One young boy admitted, “When I am in school, the only thing I think about is if dad will make it home today.” Hernández’s efforts to deliver not just groceries but also hope are crucial in a community shaken by recent ICE raids.
His organization, Movimiento Guadalupano, which he founded a decade ago, has shifted focus to provide critical support. The group now warns residents of potential ICE activity and offers free grocery deliveries to families in need. “Don’t go out today,” a recent message stated, highlighting the urgent need for safety.
Despite being a U.S. citizen, Hernández carries a heavy burden. “I am scared that we will get used to this [ICE enforcement], that it will be so normalized that people stop helping one another,” he expressed. As he navigates the streets of Bensalem, eyes constantly scanning for potential danger, the weight of his mission grows with each delivery.
Hernández’s phone rings again, signaling another request for help. “I will be right there,” he assures the caller, demonstrating the unwavering commitment to his community. As he arrives at a local store to pick up groceries, he reflects on the relationships he has built. “Having the groceries delivered has been a huge relief,” said a local resident, Ivan, who fears for his family’s safety. “We don’t have to choose between risking ourselves and feeding our children.”
As the day progresses, Hernández encounters families like Maira, who shared her fears about her husband’s safety. “I feel like a fugitive without having done anything,” she said, embodying the struggle faced by many in the community.
With each delivery, Hernández not only provides food but also a sense of community and solidarity. “He brings a little bit of peace in this environment,” Ivan remarked, highlighting the human connection that remains vital amid pervasive fear.
As Hernández wraps up his deliveries, he receives a text alerting him to potential ICE presence nearby. He remains vigilant, knowing that for many in his community, even the mention of ICE can ignite panic. Today, the struggle continues, but with each delivery, hope is delivered alongside sustenance.
The urgent need for support persists as families navigate this uncertain landscape. Hernández stands ready to answer the call, embodying resilience in the face of adversity. As the community rallies around him, the fight for safety and sustenance continues in Bucks County.
