CNN Español —
For seven years, Mariángel Carrillo’s home was in Weston, Florida. She had moved there with much of her family, leaving her native Barquisimeto, Venezuela, due to growing insecurity.
But that tranquility was upended throughout 2025. With the start of Donald Trump’s second term, his administration’s new immigration policies, and the ongoing operations of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Carrillo’s American dream turned into a nightmare.
Her fear was the same as that of many other members of the Hispanic community in the United States, who in recent months have expressed insecurity in the face of numerous ICE operations. “They want to build us believe that they only pursue people who do harm or are illegal, and that is not the case,” she said, moved to tears.
Carrillo is emphatic when she speaks of the new immigration policy. “I do not agree with what is happening,” she says, adding, “We are people who want the country where we are to shine, because that makes us shine too.”
As a first step, she tried to lower her profile. This led her, for a time, to change her car for her sister’s, which she describes as a higher-end vehicle. “I was afraid to be in that car, because they are looking for those cars.”
“I also had an image of the Virgin Mary in the glass and they told you that it was not fine to have those images, because it identified you as a member of a Latino group,” she adds.
But trying to go unnoticed was not enough. This change in immigration policies awakened the bad memory of past experiences that had pushed her to leave Barquisimeto. “In Venezuela it was the opposite, you had to downgrade (in car type) so you wouldn’t be kidnapped.”
So she didn’t hesitate and decided to leave the country for Spain. “Spain restored that security, that tranquility to me,” she says, more relaxed. “The country has treated me very kindly…I can only say good things since I arrived.”
Her arrival came in September 2025, when she landed in Madrid to establish her new residence. A change she was able to make after obtaining a digital nomad visa, which offers three years of residence whereas working, mostly remotely, for foreign companies.
Since then, Carrillo has been enjoying a romance with the country. Her medium-term plans are to stay in the Spanish capital, where she feels fulfilled and comfortable.
Particularly because she feels that Spain treats migrants better. “Leaving your country to start a new life, at a certain age, is already tricky,” she reflects. “If they help you, if they grant you a hand, if they make it easier for you, it will always be appreciated.”
She only leaves a door open for the long term, hoping that one day she can return to her native Venezuela. “Like everyone,” she says. But for now, her intention is to continue enjoying this new life in which she has regained security. “I ask God that everything continues well, as it is going.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Mariángel Carrillo to leave the United States?
The new immigration policies of the Donald Trump administration and the ongoing operations of ICE prompted Carrillo to leave the United States, fearing for her safety despite having a perform permit valid until 2030.
Where did Carrillo relocate?
Carrillo relocated to Madrid, Spain, in September 2025, after obtaining a digital nomad visa.
How does Carrillo feel about Spain compared to the United States?
Carrillo feels that Spain has restored her sense of security and tranquility, and that the country treats migrants better than the United States.
As immigration policies continue to evolve, what factors will most influence the decisions of individuals seeking a new home?
