As reunification deadline arrives, uncertainty persists for many migrant families

Immigrant families line up to be processed at Central Station in McAllen, Texas, after being released from federal custody on July 26.

Immigrant families arrive at Central Station in McAllen, Texas, after being released from federal detention on July 26.

Protester Roxana Carrion of McAllen, Texas, lays a pair of shoes to complete a display symbolizing immigrants who have died during their journey to U.S. Demonstrators protested what they say is the government’s failure to reunite separated immigrant families as mandated by a federal court order.

Julian Rodriguez joins demonstrators outside Bentsen Tower Federal Courthouse in McAllen, Texas, protesting the plight of separated immigrant families on July 26.

Demonstrators gather outside Bentsen Tower Federal Courthouse in McAllen, Texas, on July 26 to protest what they say is the government’s failure to reunite separated immigrant families as mandated by a federal court order.

Karen Wulschner gives candy to immigrant children as they are processed at Central Station in McAllen, Texas, on July 26. Waves of families passed through the station after they were released from federal custody.

Arin Omar Dominguez Paredez, 8, high-fives Father Jorge Gomez as he exits a news conference with his father, Omar Morino Dominguez Mejia, at the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan Del Valle in San Juan, Texas, on July 26. Omar and Arin were reunited that night.

Arin Omar Dominguez Paredez, 8, peaks over a splay of microphones as he speak at a July 26 news conference at the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan Del Valle with his father, Omar Morino Dominguez Mejia. Omar and Arin were reunited that night.