Mother chooses self-deportation after son dies in ICE custody
Jan 10, 2026 · Salisbury, MD, Mexico

Arlit Martinez-Carrada's 15-year-old son, Kevin Mendoza Martinez, died of cancer two days after she was arrested by ICE agents outside her workplace in Maryland. Martinez was denied release to be with her son during his final days and learned of his death while in ICE custody at the Baltimore federal building. She was later released on $12,000 bond and attended her son's funeral. Martinez has now decided to self-deport, with her attorneys working on the voluntary departure process.
Timeline
Jan 10, 2026—Kevin Martinez, 15, died of cancer two days after his mother's arrest; family's requests for mother's release were denied
Jan 8, 2026—Arlit Maria Martinez arrested by ICE agents outside her workplace in Maryland
Sources
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