Couple once detained by ICE reunite in Mexico with son dying of colon cancer

"A spokesperson for the Mexican Consulate in Chicago shared the following statement on Wednesday: "The case has been closely monitored through our Consular Protection Department. However, it should be noted that, due to the location of the facility where our nationals are detained, direct consular assistance falls under the jurisdiction of the Consulate of Mexico in Tucson, which oversees that region. They are already in contact with the attorney representing Kevin's parents and following up to further assist them in the repatriation process.""

Kevin Gonzalez, an 18-year-old Chicago-born man with stage 4 colon cancer, was diagnosed while visiting his brother in Chicago. After his terminal diagnosis, his parents applied for emergency visas but were denied because they had been previously deported. The parents, living in Mexico, attempted to cross the border illegally to reach him and were detained by ICE, held in federal custody in Arizona. The family pursued legal action to reunite. Gonzalez checked himself out of the University of Chicago Medical Center and traveled to his grandmother’s home in Mexico, hoping his parents would be released in time. A judge ordered their release, they returned to Mexico, and they were escorted to the border and flown home. Consular officials monitored the case and coordinated repatriation support.

Read at ABC7 Los Angeles