HOMESTEAD, FL -- A 12-year-old Mexican boy left behind when his parents were deported is hoping for a quick reunion. Three weeks ago, immigration authorities arrested his mother and father while he was in school. His relatives requested that his identity be protected, so he will be referred to as "Marcos."

"We received a card from the family member last week telling us this kid was alone at home," Herman Martinez of the American Friend Service Committee said.

Marcos had been living with his family in Homestead for three months. His family, though, had been in the U.S. illegally for two years, authorities said.

A family friend took the child to the Krome Detention Center, but her efforts to reunite the family were unsuccessful.

"She was at the office saying, 'Look, this boy has been left alone,'" Martinez said. "According to the information, the officer said, 'No, we didn't get this boy. So take him away.'"

Marcos' uncle has been caring for him since his parents were deported, but he has since contacted Martinez for help.

"We want some kind of human treatment," Martinez said.

The Mexican Consulate in South Miami is trying to locate Marcos' parents and arrange for him to be sent back to his country.

"I am optimistic in this case," Mexican Consul General Beatrize Navarro said. "It's in the process right now, the solution of this case. And I hope that we can reunite this family."

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials were unavailable to comment on the case. The Mexican Consulate said it is aiming to get Marcos on a plane by the end of the week.