In a heart-wrenching incident, Juan Mendoza, a 25-year-old undocumented immigrant, was taken into custody by ICE in Texas while on his way to a medical appointment with his seven-month-old daughter, as reported by Noticias Telemundo.
Yazmín, the child's mother and a U.S. citizen at 24 years old, recounted the suddenness of the arrest: as she turned around, she saw her partner already in handcuffs, while their two daughters remained in the vehicle.
Mendoza is currently detained in Laredo, leaving the family in a more challenging position to maintain their household and continue the baby's medical treatment.
The infant is battling retinoblastoma in both eyes, a "very rare but treatable" form of cancer, according to the information shared by Telemundo. Yazmín mentioned that her daughter's chemotherapy has been adjusted, and one eye is receiving laser treatment.
Struggles Intensify with Father's Detention
The family has detailed the demanding schedule of taking their baby to the doctor twice weekly in McAllen and traveling to Houston every three weeks for treatment. With the father detained, logistical and financial pressures have escalated.
Mother's Testimony: "I Couldn't Do Anything"
Yazmín described the arrest as occurring while they were en route to the medical appointment. "By the time I turned around... they already had him in handcuffs... and my two girls were in the back," she shared, conveying the helplessness of the moment.
She also defended her partner's character, emphasizing, "Everyone loves him; he is a great dad."
Legal Options and Community Support
Telemundo consulted an attorney who clarified that a detained individual has rights and may challenge their case even while in detention. The lawyer noted that someone with over ten years in the U.S., citizen or resident children, and no disqualifying criminal records might "possibly" qualify for cancellation of deportation.
Faced with this financial blow, Yazmín's relatives and friends are planning to organize a food sale to raise funds for hiring a lawyer and covering the baby's medical expenses.
Understanding Legal Rights for Undocumented Immigrants
What are the legal options for someone detained by ICE?
An individual detained by ICE has certain rights and can fight their case while in detention. If they have been in the U.S. for over ten years, have children who are citizens or residents, and have no disqualifying criminal records, they might qualify for cancellation of deportation.
How is the community supporting Yazmín's family?
To support Yazmín's family, relatives and friends are organizing a food sale to raise funds for legal fees and the child's ongoing medical expenses.