In an emotional reunion, Jose Gregorio Gonzalez, a Venezuelan national, was released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Friday after a month-long detention.
His release comes as a much-needed relief for his ailing brother, Jose Pacheco, who requires a kidney transplant to survive. Gonzalez had been detained on March 3 in Chicago, where he was staying to care for Pacheco. "It was a very beautiful moment because we were raised very, very close," Pacheco expressed while recalling their reunion.
Gonzalez expressed gratitude to lawmakers, lawyers, and the non-profit Resurrection Project for facilitating his release. Peter Meinecke, Pacheco's lawyer, clarified that Gonzalez will remain under a one-year supervision order, after which ICE could reassess his case. Congressman Chuy Garcia noted the case underscores the urgency of immigrant justice, heralding Gonzalez's freedom as a victory for the community.
The anticipated kidney donation represents a triumph against the odds. (With inputs from agencies.).
