Teen dies hours after his parents reunited with him following immigration detention
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- Kevin Gonzalez, an 18-year-old U.S. citizen battling terminal colon cancer, died in Durango, Mexico, one day after reuniting with his parents following their release from U.S. immigration custody.
- His parents, deported years ago, were detained by ICE when attempting to cross the border to see him in Chicago after his diagnosis, but a federal judge ordered their expedited release to reunite the family.
- Despite medical advice for comfort care due to cancer spread to his stomach and lungs, Kevin held on to his final wish to be with his parents, who arrived just in time to be by his side in his last moments.
- The family’s reunion came after months of community advocacy, legal efforts, and public pleas, including interventions by the Mexican consulate and lawmakers.
- The parents had previously applied for visitor visas which were denied due to prior unlawful entries, and Kevin’s father expressed deep sorrow and love, emphasizing the sacrifices he was willing to make for his son.