ABSTRACT This mixed methods study explores the impact of deportation-imposed family separation on Guatemalan deportees’ levels of psychological distress. Behavioral familismo is investigated as potential moderator. Familismo is a cultural value that reflects the centrality of the family unit, as demonstrated by strong identification with and attachment to immediate and extended relatives, and a deep sense of loyalty, reciprocity, and solidarity among family members. Behavioral familismo represents the actions and behaviors that arise out of familismo. This study is based on a sample of deported Guatemalan immigrants (N=71) residing in Guatemala City, Guatemala and two Guatemalan towns outside of the capital: Sanarate and Puerto San Jose. The quantitative findings supported deportation imposed family separation as a predictor of increased psychological distress. While behavioral familismo also significantly contributed to post-deportation psychological distress, it was not supported as moderator in the relationship between deportation-imposed family separation and psychological distress. In contrast to the moderation analysis results, the qualitative findings described deportation-imposed family separation as a graduated process with multiple stages that each contribute to increases in immigrants’ levels of psychological distress as a function of changes to their ability to provide family support.