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Big Bear handyman detained by ICE while wife battles Stage 4 brain cancer, family fights deportation

Apr 1, 2026 · Big Bear, CA, Mexico

Big Bear handyman detained by ICE while wife battles Stage 4 brain cancer, family fights deportation

Armando Gonzalez Procopio, 49, a Mexican citizen who worked as a handyman and house cleaner in Big Bear, California for over 20 years, was detained by ICE agents on March 31, 2026, while on his way to work on Big Bear Boulevard. He was placed in removal proceedings at the ICE Desert View Annex Detention Facility in Adelanto. Gonzalez's three daughters—Adriana, 20, Citlalli, 26, and a 16-year-old—are now caring for their mother, Erika, who has Stage 4 brain cancer and is in hospice care. The daughters describe their father as the family pillar who put them through college and ensured their mother reached medical appointments during her five-year cancer battle. DHS cited a 2011 infraction for operating a vehicle without a valid driver's license (Gonzalez pleaded guilty and paid over $400 in fines), though court records show no conviction. A court granted Gonzalez's temporary restraining order and ordered his immediate release from immigration custody.

Timeline

Apr 3, 2026Court granted temporary restraining order and ordered Gonzalez's immediate release from immigration custody
Mar 31, 2026Armando Gonzalez Procopio detained by ICE agents on Big Bear Boulevard while en route to work; charged with being present in U.S. without admission or parole; placed in removal proceedings at ICE Desert View Annex Detention Facility in Adelanto

Sources

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