Sole caregiver removed
People caring for a disabled or sick relative, detained or deported
Reported cases describe ICE and Border Patrol detaining or deporting parents and spouses who care for disabled, autistic, or seriously ill family members, during routine check-ins, traffic stops, home arrests, or near schools, in states including Texas, California, Oregon, Tennessee, and Connecticut. Outcomes include detention lasting months, deportation to Honduras, Mexico, and South Korea, hospitalization, and one caregiver's son dying by suicide after her detention. First documented in March 2025 and recurring monthly since, these cases have grown as a share of all reported stories over time.
First documented Feb 2025, recurring since Mar 2025.
Share of each month's well-documented stories, Jan 2025 to Oct 2026. Volume is not shown: coverage grew over the record, shares did not have to.
76 stories in 24 states. What accompanies this practice →
“It is really overwhelming because I need to take care of my kid by myself. No one is here to help me out,”
Arizona
Ambar A.G.: Pregnant Venezuelan woman detained by Border Patrol in Tucson traffic stopAmbar Aguilar Gómez, 27, six months pregnant and a mother of two, was detained in a Tucson-area traffic stop; her husband, recovering from a brain injury, is pleading publicly for her release.“Ella es el pulmón mío. Aquí no tenemos más familia; ella me tiene a mí y yo la tengo a ella. Hasta ahí” — Mevin Josué GuerraTucson, AZ · Aug 18, 2026 · Univision, La Patilla, World Today Journal
Jonathan D.: Father of three including nonverbal autistic son detained by ICE in ArizonaJonathan Delgado, the main breadwinner for his family, was detained in a Mesa, Arizona, parking lot in front of his wife, leaving behind three children, including a nonverbal autistic 6-year-old.Mesa, AZ · Jul 10, 2026 · Univision
Erasmo I.R.: Arizona father of disabled daughters arrested by ICE, deported to MexicoErasmo Ibuado-Reyes, breadwinner for his wife and two disabled children, was deported to Mexico despite a judge praising his 20-year work history and ordering his release from criminal custody.Phoenix, AZ · Feb 17, 2026 · The Arizona Republic, Washington Post, Reuters +1
Rosa B.: Teen cares for siblings with autism after ICE detains parentsRosa Barrera, 18, now cares for her three younger siblings, including a sister with autism, after ICE detained their parents at work. She is fundraising for legal help to reunite the family.Phoenix, AZ · Jan 28, 2026 · NBC News, Latin Times, WGBH +1
California
Rafael V.: Salvadoran caretaker dragged from doorstep by ICE, hospitalized with sepsisRafael Vela, a Salvadoran man who fled civil war decades ago and cared for his partner of 30 years, was dragged from his doorstep by agents and later hospitalized for sepsis after months in detention.Silver Lake, CA · Sep 8, 2026 · NBC Los Angeles, Telemundo 52, NBC Los Angeles +3- Philip P.: Stateless refugee caring for autistic son, disabled mother re-detained by ICEA stateless Laotian refugee here over 40 years, a glazier caring for his autistic son and disabled mother, was suddenly redetained at a routine check-in. A judge ordered his release.Santa Clara County, CA · Sep 3, 2026 · CourtListener
Samuel G.T. and Minerva T.D.: Son dies by suicide two months after ICE detained his motherSamuel Gonzalez Terrones, 21, who had depression and schizophrenia, died by suicide two months after ICE detained his mother, the family member who helped him through crises. He left a note blaming the agent who took her.“My mom was the one who would take care of him when he would have those bad thoughts.” — his older sister Sari Gonzalez, 32San Bernardino, CA · Aug 12, 2026 · Los Angeles Times, Binghamton Herald, Global Economy Edition +1
José P.: Watts father of autistic teen held six months by ICEJosé Padilla, a 41-year-old car wash worker and father who cared daily for his autistic teenage son, was detained for six months before being freed in August and reunited with his family at Union Station.Los Angeles, CA · Aug 4, 2026 · The Guardian, News 247 Plus, Center for Health Journalism +2
Cornelius H.: Lawfully admitted 20-year-old coerced by ICE into signing deportation papersCornelius Kaihau Holani, 20, cares for his grandmother and teaches Tongan dance in Seattle. Detained at an airport and pressured to sign an unexplained document, he was ordered released.Oakland, CA · Jul 31, 2026 · Newsweek, CourtListener, Newsroom- Filip K.: Asylum seeker with work permit detained by ICE at LAX flying homeA man who had lived openly in Illinois for two years, working two jobs and supporting his ailing mother, was detained at LAX returning from vacation. A judge ordered his release within 24 hours.Los Angeles, CA · Jul 22, 2026 · CourtListener
Armando G.P.: Father detained by ICE while wife is dying of brain cancerArmando Gonzalez Procopio, a 49-year-old handyman in Big Bear Lake for over 20 years, was detained while his wife lay dying of brain cancer; a court ordered his release.Big Bear, CA · Apr 10, 2026 · 2001 Online, Univision, ABC7 +3- Armin M.: Caregiver for U.S. citizen parents arrested by ICE at Burbank AirportAn Iranian man who came to the U.S. at 15, now caring for his citizen parents and working as a project manager, was arrested at Burbank Airport after 14 years on supervised release. A judge ordered him freed.Burbank, CA · Mar 5, 2026 · CourtListener
Alberto C.: Diabetic 73-year-old landscaper with heart disease detained by ICE in West HollywoodAlberto Cabral, 73, a landscaper who has lived in the U.S. since age 15, was detained while working his regular route in West Hollywood. He supports his 97-year-old mother and wife and has heart disease and diabetes.West Hollywood, CA · Jan 16, 2026 · Westside Today, La Opinión, NBC Los Angeles +1
Jose O.: Sole caregiver to orphaned nephew detained by ICE in Pomona raidJose Oleaz, 34, a landscaper who came from Mexico over 20 years ago, was detained during a Pomona raid while serving as sole caregiver for his 13-year-old nephew and his father with cancer.Pomona, CA · Jan 15, 2026 · ABC7, CNN, North Carolina News Online
Saúl Z.: Father deported at ICE check-in, leaving autistic U.S. citizen son aloneSaúl Zermeño, 45, had lived in the U.S. 36 years and was the sole caregiver for his autistic 15-year-old son. Deported October 3 after a routine check-in, leaving his son to cope alone.Los Angeles, CA · Oct 3, 2025 · CBS News, Inspiration Webs, KFF Health News +4
José Daniel L.P.: Honduran sole caregiver of 6 young siblings detained by ICE in ReddingJosé Daniel López Peña, 26, the sole caregiver for his six young siblings, was detained near Redding while dropping off his girlfriend, prompting hundreds to protest.Redding, CA · Sep 12, 2025 · Action News Now, KRCR TV
Cynthia O.: Canadian mother detained by ICE at green card interviewCynthia Olivera, a mother of three married to a U.S. citizen, was handcuffed by ICE agents during her green card interview and has been held for weeks awaiting deportation.Chatsworth, CA · Jun 13, 2025 · 10News, The Guardian
Yolanda P.M.: El Monte mother caring for daughter with cancer detained in ICE sweepYolanda Perez-Magallón, 50, who cares for her daughter with cancer, was detained nearly two weeks during a sweep targeting her son before release on $1,500 bond; she is due in court April 10.El Monte, CA · Mar 12, 2025 · Peninsula 360 Press, Univision, Our Humanity California
Connecticut
Florida
Jorge Luis R.: Venezuelan husband detained by ICE while U.S. citizen wife battles breast cancerJorge Luis Eliecer Ruiz, 36, was detained near Coconut Creek while his U.S. citizen wife battles breast cancer. The couple married in 2025 and had filed for his permanent residency.Coconut Creek, FL · Aug 3, 2026 · CBS News
Yaima S.: Cuban mother of five, three with autism, held six months by ICEYaima de las Mercedes Suárez, a mother of five with three autistic children, was freed after six months detained, following her arrest at Miami airport returning from visiting her late father's grave in Cuba.Miami, FL · Mar 28, 2026 · CiberCuba, CubaNet, Aroma de Cuba +1
Heidy S.: Nursing mother deported to Cuba after ICE separated her from breastfeeding infantHeidy Sánchez, a home health aide and mother, was handcuffed and separated from her nursing one-year-old during a routine check-in, then deported to Cuba two days later. She remains apart from her daughter and husband.Florida, FL · Mar 23, 2026 · The Times, ABC Action News, CNN +15
America P.R.: Mother facing deportation with U.S. citizen daughter who has life-threatening genetic disorderAmerica Perez Ramirez, 52, was ordered to report for deportation with her 11-year-old daughter Yoselin, a U.S. citizen with a life-threatening genetic disorder requiring her mother's care, after past stays were denied.Florida, FL · Apr 28, 2025 · NBC News, AOL, Newser +1
Illinois
José Gregorio G.: Venezuelan kidney donor detained by ICE after brother's transplant complicationsJosé Gregorio González, who donated a kidney to his brother in August 2025, was detained by ICE during a routine check-in while seeking an extension to stay for post-transplant medical monitoring.Chicago, IL · Jul 21, 2026 · NBC News, ABC News, Banco de Profissionais +1
Ruben T.M.: Father held by ICE as 16-year-old daughter's cancer treatment put on holdRuben Torres Maldonado, a home painter in the U.S. since 2003, was detained outside a Home Depot days after his daughter Ofelia began cancer treatment. He was freed after a judge found his detention unlawful; Ofelia died in February.Chicago, IL · Feb 15, 2026 · The City, NBC Chicago, ABC7 +4
U.S. citizen and father of son with epilepsy detained by federal agentsA U.S. citizen and his undocumented father were arrested walking to buy groceries in Little Village. The son was released; his father, whose younger son has epilepsy, remains detained out of state.Chicago, IL · Nov 15, 2025 · Chicago Tribune, Spokesman-Review, Reporter-Herald
Gladis C.P.: Immigrant advocate detained at Chicago ICE check-inGladis Yolanda Chavez Pineda, a Honduran asylum seeker and immigrant rights organizer, was detained during a routine ICE check-in despite having no deportation order and is now held in Kentucky.Chicago, IL · Jun 4, 2025 · CBS News, Block Club Chicago, ABC7 Chicago
Kentucky
Maryland
- Jose J.B.: Father of special-needs child arrested by ICE without warrant on commuteA Guatemalan man who has lived in the U.S. 22 years is the sole provider for his family, including a child with special needs. A court ruled his warrantless arrest unlawful and ordered his release.Maryland · Jun 22, 2026 · CourtListener
Arlit M.C.: Mother detained by ICE days before teen son's cancer death, later self-deportsArlit Martinez-Carrada, a Mexican mother in Salisbury, Maryland, was detained while heading to work days before her 15-year-old son died of cancer; she was later freed on bond to attend his funeral and has decided to self-deport.Salisbury, MD · Jan 10, 2026 · WSAZ, CBS News, The Independent +5
Elsy B.: Maryland mother's car window smashed in ICE arrestElsy Noemi Berrios, a single mother of four with a work permit, was pulled from her car and handcuffed after agents smashed her window; ICE alleges MS-13 ties but has shown no evidence.Westminster, MD · Mar 31, 2025 · CNN, CBS News, FOX 5 DC
Maryland mother held by ICE while teenage son died of cancerA Maryland mother was held by ICE when her teenage son died of cancer, though she was allowed to attend his funeral. She has now asked to be deported to Mexico.Maryland · Mar 24, 2025 · CBS News, New Hampshire Public Radio, KLCC +2
Massachusetts
Melanie T.: Asylum-seeking mother detained by ICE outside Boston police stationMelanie Tinoco, 29, an Ecuadorian mother of two with a pending asylum case, was detained by ICE outside a Boston police station. Her husband now cares alone for their autistic son.Boston, MA · Oct 7, 2026 · CBS News, WGBH
Hector C.: Guatemalan landscaper detained by ICE at Saugus Town HallHector Chavez, 25, a landscaper with a pending asylum case and valid work permit, was detained while working at Saugus Town Hall, leaving his two young U.S.-born children asking for him.Saugus, MA · Sep 10, 2025 · Boston Globe, TURNTO10, Boston.com
Luis B.: Lynn father tricked by fake ICE wellness call, detainedLuis Barreras, a father of three, was taken into custody at his home after ICE agents called claiming they wanted to check on his children's well-being.Lynn, MA · Jun 9, 2025 · NBC Boston, Telemundo Nueva Inglaterra
Minnesota
Antonia A.M.: Nursing mother held by ICE without breast pump, milk dries upAntonia Aguilar Maldonado, a mother of two from El Salvador, was detained nearly a month without a breast pump for her nursing toddler, and her milk dried up before her release on bond.Minnesota · Feb 20, 2026 · 19th News, WLRN, News 4 San Antonio
Jesus F.: Father of six lured from home by ICE agents faking car troubleJesus Flores, a mechanic and father of six, two with autism, was lured outside his Minnesota home by agents faking car trouble and detained. His family says he was transferred to Texas within 48 hours.Columbia Heights, MN · Feb 13, 2026 · CBS News, Fox 9, Channel 3000
Khadra M.M.: St. Cloud refugee mother held by ICE in Texas, separated from sonKhadra Muse Mohamed, a 25-year-old Somali refugee and single mother in St. Cloud, was pulled over and detained, separating her from her 7-year-old son and disabled stepfather for nine days before her release.St. Cloud, MN · Jan 10, 2026 · Sahan Journal, AOL, NPR +2
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
New Jersey
Tonny Q.R.: South Orange father of child with Down's syndrome detained by ICETonny Quesada-Ramirez, who has lived in the U.S. for 26 years and cares for a child with Down's syndrome, was detained while working on his home but released days later after community fundraising and advocacy.South Orange, NJ · Aug 8, 2026 · Montclair Local, Newsweek, Village Green
Iemad S.: Syrian restaurant owner and autistic son's caregiver detained by ICE at check-inIemad Saifo, 65, a Syrian-born chef who owns a Collingswood restaurant and cares for his autistic son, was detained during what he thought was a routine check-in. After community support and a court order, he was granted bond and released.“He says not to worry - as any father would,” — Zena, his daughterNew Jersey · Jul 31, 2026 · The Retrospect, The Sun Papers, Explore New Jersey +6
Construction business owner detained by ICE, leaves children including nonverbal autistic sonA construction business owner was detained by ICE while driving to work, leaving behind an 11-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old nonverbal autistic son who depends on him daily. His family is seeking legal help to reunite with him.Dover, NJ · Jun 26, 2026 · The News & Observer, Chicago Sun-Times- Elmer G.A.: Bronx cook and father of five U.S. citizens denied bond hearingElmer Gonzalez Altamirano, a Bronx cook who has lived in the U.S. 20 years and supports his wife and five children, was wrongly denied a bond hearing. A federal judge ordered his immediate release on March 25, 2026.Newark, NJ · Feb 11, 2026 · Documented, Standing Record, EXA
Heury G.: NYC green card holder, sole caretaker of disabled son, detained by ICEHeury Gomez, sole caretaker of his disabled 18-year-old son Noah, was detained by ICE for over three months before a judge ordered his release in time for Thanksgiving.Newark, NJ · Nov 22, 2025 · nydailynews.com, AM New York
New York
Sae Joon P.: Purple Heart veteran from Hawaii self-deported to South Korea after ICE threatSae Joon Park, 57, a Purple Heart veteran who raised two children in Hawaii, self-deported to South Korea after ICE threatened detention. New York's governor pardoned one conviction, but his return remains uncertain.New York, NY · Aug 31, 2026 · Documented, CNN, Political +2
Alexandro R.M.: Vineyard foreman detained by ICE, family with autistic son loses breadwinnerAlexandro Rivera Magaña, a vineyard foreman and father supporting a son with severe autism and a 5-year-old, was detained at a Greenport coffee shop, leaving his family facing financial hardship.Greenport, NY · Feb 4, 2026 · Patch, Shelter Island Reporter, Archive +1
North Carolina
Ohio
Oregon
Juan Miguel A.: Newberg father and autism caregiver detained by ICE, sent to LouisianaJuan Miguel Aldape, a Newberg, Oregon resident of 22 years and caregiver for his autistic son, was detained outside a Lowe's and sent to a Louisiana facility; his family could not reach him for over a week.McMinnville, OR · Aug 24, 2026 · The Oregonian, Chron, Portland Tribune +6
Maria L.M.: Oregon mother caring for stroke survivor husband held four months by ICEMaria Trinidad Loya Medina, an Albany, Oregon resident of 20 years and caregiver to her stroke-surviving husband, was detained while shopping and held four months. A judge ordered her released in May, citing harm to her family.Albany, OR · May 8, 2026 · KVAL, KLCC, KGW +14
Pennsylvania
Bruno G.S.: Brazilian asylum seeker detained by ICE reunites with daughter undergoing cancer treatmentBruno Guedes da Silva, detained in Sewickley, Pennsylvania despite valid work authorization, missed the start of his 6-year-old daughter's chemotherapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma before a judge granted him bond in April.Sewickley, PA · Apr 16, 2026 · CBS News, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, WTAE +5
Johny M.A.: Father of boy with brain cancer deported to Bolivia after 5 monthsJohny Merida Aguilara accepted deportation to Bolivia after nearly five months detained, as his wife and three U.S. citizen children prepare to join him while caring for their 5-year-old son with brain cancer and autism.Philadelphia, PA · Jan 23, 2026 · Philadelphia Inquirer, Media News Source, World Journal
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
Tennessee
Maria P.: Diabetic nursing mother detained by ICE, separated from toddler with Down syndromeMaria Perez, a Guatemalan asylum-seeker and mother nursing an infant and caring for a toddler with Down syndrome, was detained far from home for nearly three months before being released and reunited with her children.Nashville, TN · Aug 14, 2026 · WKRN, WSMV, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights +10
Maria P.: Nursing mother held three months by ICE, breastfeeding endedMaria Perez (a pseudonym), a Guatemalan mother who was breastfeeding and caring for a daughter with Down syndrome, was detained in Nashville for nearly three months, ending her ability to nurse before she was reunited with her children in August.Nashville, TN · May 19, 2025 · FOX 17, Sanctuary of the South, Tennessee Lookout +1
Texas
Mother detained by ICE, leaving two young daughters alone in ConroeSisters Alicia and Britany, 10 and 11, have been living alone in their Conroe apartment since their mother was detained by ICE, with only a relative checking in. LULAC has filed to challenge her detention.Conroe, TX · Oct 21, 2026 · Click2Houston, KHOU, tinmoius.comPatricia: Austin mother detained by ICE near son's school bus stopA mother identified as Patricia was detained by ICE near her son's school bus stop in North Austin, crying and worried no one could pick up her children. She was released about 10 minutes later.Austin, TX · Oct 15, 2026 · Univision, Austin American-Statesman, KXAN +4
Arelys B.M.: Army veteran's wife detained at routine ICE check-in, faces deportationArelys Barahona-Martinez, 40, married to a retired Army staff sergeant, was detained at a routine Dallas check-in and faces deportation despite years of compliance. She was later granted bond but remains jailed pending payment.Dallas, TX · Sep 15, 2026 · CBS News, BBC, Readers ID +4
Cristy V.T.: Army sergeant's wife deported to Honduras by ICE, leaving U.S. citizen daughterCristy Maryori Villafranca Trejo, 29, wife of an active-duty Army sergeant and primary caregiver to their 6-year-old daughter, was deported to Honduras despite a pending military parole case and congressional inquiry.“How can I even focus on my military career because I have to worry about how my wife is doing?” — Army Sgt. Hedar Leonel Turcios JuarezFort Bliss, TX · Aug 24, 2026 · Military Times, The Banner, Woke Spy +10
Rosendo L.: Wise County father with work permit detained by ICE at traffic stopRosendo Lira, 59, a Wise County business owner and father of five, was detained minutes from home despite holding a valid work permit, while preparing for daughter Bella's quinceañera.Decatur, TX · Jul 17, 2026 · FOX 4 News, Washington County Messenger
Harlingen construction worker's wife detained on way to restaurant job, faces deportationThe wife of Joaquin, a Rio Grande Valley construction framer, was detained on her way to a restaurant job and now faces deportation to Mexico, leaving their three U.S.-born children's care uncertain.Harlingen, TX · Jun 10, 2026 · The Guardian
Haitian asylum seeker held 1,500 miles from infant, barred from sending breastmilkLT, a Haitian asylum seeker who fled persecution and rape, was held in Texas while her breastfeeding 13-month-old daughter stayed in Florida with LT's mother. Her asylum case was denied after three months in detention.Dilley, TX · May 15, 2026 · The Guardian
Gerardo G.R.: Father of U.S. citizens, caretaker of disabled wife, ordered deported to MexicoGerardo Gonzalez Reyes, 44, was detained after a false-report traffic stop. Despite advocacy from his disabled wife and U.S. citizen children, a judge ordered his deportation to Mexico.San Marcos, TX · May 15, 2026 · CBS Austin, CBS Austin, KXAN +1
Argam N.: Iranian Christian asylum seeker held 298 days by ICEArgam Nazarian, a 27-year-old delivery driver who cared for his ailing mother, spent nearly 10 months in ICE detention even after a judge ordered his release. He was freed in April 2026 after a federal judge found his detention unconstitutional.El Paso, TX · Apr 20, 2026 · El Paso Matters, Texas Tribune, CourtListener +1
Octavio C.V.: San Antonio father with work permit held by ICE, family forced outOctavio Daniel Cabrera Valdez, 36, a father of two who fled cartel violence and held a work permit, was detained at his job site and is held at Karnes City, where he reports untreated illness and scarce food.San Antonio, TX · Apr 17, 2026 · KVUE, KSAT, Texas Tribune +1
Carmen H.: Mother of six detained by ICE at San Antonio courthouseCarmen Herrera, a mother of six U.S. citizen children married to a U.S. citizen, was detained by ICE right after her immigration court hearing and later deported to Mexico.San Antonio, TX · Dec 21, 2025 · TPR, Univision
José Antonio G.: Cuban man brought at age nine deported to Mexico after 38 yearsJosé Antonio González, 51, arrived at age nine and worked as a painter supporting his family, but was deported after nearly 40 years over childhood offenses. He says he feels more American than Cuban.El Paso, TX · Dec 1, 2025 · CiberCuba, CiberCuba
Detained Haitian asylum seeker barred from sending breastmilk to formula-allergic babyLT, a 30-year-old Haitian asylum seeker who fled political violence, is held 1,500 miles from her 13-month-old daughter, who needs breastmilk; officials denied her requests to pump milk or post bond.Dilley, TX · Oct 2025 · The Guardian
Virginia
Washington
Location not tied to one state
Salvador A.V.: Father of daughter with life-threatening condition detained at Tennessee ICE check-inSalvador Alvarenga Valle, a father who cares for a daughter with a life-threatening illness, was arrested at a routine check-in after 21 years in Tennessee; a judge later granted him $1,500 bond.TN · Aug 5, 2026 · MidPage, Law & Crime, Georgia Public Broadcasting- Father of two disabled children deported to Mexico after ICE traffic stopA father of two disabled children was deported to Mexico after being pulled over while driving to his drywall installation job, leaving his family without his daily care.Apr 7, 2026 · Daily Mail, The Arizona Republic, ABC News
Jose Guadalupe J.: Michigan father with work permit arrested by ICE outside son's schoolJose Guadalupe Jaimes, a 55-year-old painting business owner and father of five who lived in the U.S. for 30 years, was arrested outside his son's school after dropping him off. He is now held at St. Clair County Jail.Mar 7, 2025 · Newsweek, Detroit Free Press, WXYZ +2