Long-term residents deported to Colombia after 35 years in US
Feb 21, 2025·Location: Orange County, CA
Country of origin: Colombia

Gladys and Nelson Gonzalez, who had resided in the United States for 35 years, were arrested and deported to Colombia in February 2025 after being detained by ICE during a routine immigration court check-in in Santa Ana, California. The couple entered without authorization in 1989 and had a 2000 deportation order. They maintained clean criminal records and had complied with regular check-ins throughout their time in the country. They had three U.S. citizen daughters and were involved in church work and volunteering. They were held for three weeks before deportation.
Sources
- After living in the US for 35 years and raising 3 citizens, these parents got deported to Colombia. Their kids want them back
CNN·Mar 25, 2025·archived copy
- California couple held in ICE detention, facing deportation after 35 years in US
The Mercury News·Mar 19, 2025·archived copy
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