Gonzalo Ladron de Guevara, a 53-year-old lawful permanent resident of the United States, was detained by federal agents in Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport after returning from Mexico, where he had gone to scatter his mother’s ashes.
His wife, Jodi, revealed that Gonzalo’s detainment began on May 24, after he had traveled to Mexico on May 6 to accompany his brothers for this emotional farewell.
Initially, Jodi maintained communication with her husband via text message, and even had phone conversations with a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) watch commander, who seemed optimistic about resolving the situation swiftly.
However, what was intended to be a simple family visit turned into a significant legal challenge for the family.
Jodi explained that the root of the current situation stemmed from a past felony charge against her husband that had been dismissed over a decade ago.
This non-violent charge involved fraudulently reproducing a prescription for opioids following multiple surgeries, after which Gonzalo pursued rehabilitation and fulfilled his legal obligations for the case to be dismissed.
Despite their long history of travel without incident, this time, the family found themselves caught in the crosshairs of intensified immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.
Recent policies have led to increased scrutiny of lawful permanent residents, especially those with prior legal issues.
Gonzalo’s detainment highlights concerns over the precarious status of green-card holders, as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) warned that legal permanent residents could face revocation of their status if deemed a threat to national interests.
In a poignant statement, Jodi reflected, “We were absolutely not expecting it.
There was a bit of hesitancy from the start, but considering everything, including the loss of their mother, it felt necessary for him to be there.”
The family, including their 21-year-old daughter and 20-year-old son, is grappling with the emotional strain of being separated from Gonzalo for over a month now.
Jodi expressed the toll this situation has had on their lives as they are facing overwhelming emotional and financial hardships.
The family has set up a GoFundMe campaign which has raised over $7,775 to assist with legal bills that have already surpassed $4,000.
Friends of the family, like Cheyenne Ianno, have come forward to help them navigate this difficult time, emphasizing the community ties and support they have formed over the years.
“They need to be able to pay for housing, food, and their basic needs, all while facing significant legal fees,” Ianno stated, encapsulating the dire circumstances the family is in.
The legal complexities surrounding Gonzalo’s detainment continue to arise with the newer protocols from ICE, which include rigorous social media monitoring and ideological vetting.
With these new measures, there are documented cases of lawful residents being deported or denied reentry over online activities and political affiliations.
The impact of these policies resonates beyond Gonzalo’s case.
As immigration enforcement focuses on all categories of residents, many permanent residents are beginning to express their concerns regarding their status amid a climate of uncertainty and fear.
Gonzalo is currently being held without bond and is set to appear in federal court on July 9, where his future will be deliberated.
The timelines for families like the Ladron de Guevara continue to stretch as they await answers amid a turbulent immigration landscape.
Regular reports have indicated that around half of the U.S. population approves of President Donald Trump’s handling of immigration and border security, reflecting the contentious nature of the current immigration debate.
With a growing emphasis on rigorous enforcement, citizens and residents alike are being urged to remain vigilant about their immigration statuses.
Jodi has also emphasized the need for awareness, urging others, especially those with legal backgrounds, to be cautious about travel.
In her words, “I didn’t think it could affect me, and here I am.
We felt secure; we didn’t realize the implications until it was too late.”
As the situation unfolds, Gonzalo’s family continues to fight for his release while navigating through the emotional and financial ramifications of his detainment.
For the community and loved ones involved, the story of Gonzalo Ladron de Guevara serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding immigration policies and the lives they impact profoundly.
image source from：https://www.newsweek.com/ice-green-card-dhs-chicago-immigration-2086070
