ICE releases criminal histories of illegal immigrant mother and son arrested in California amid backlash

The story of Yolanda Perez and her son Jonathan Tejeda-Perez is one of resilience, love, and the challenges faced by many immigrant families in the United States. Yolanda, a devoted mother, had been living in the Los Angeles suburb of El Monte, where she worked tirelessly to provide for her family, including her 21-year-old daughter who cannot walk and is battling cancer. Despite the difficulties they faced, Yolanda and her family had built a life filled with hope and determination. They were known within their community for their strength and the love they shared, which inspired those around them.

On February 24, their lives took an unexpected and devastating turn. Yolanda was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents while moving her car to make way for a street-sweeping vehicle. Her son, Jonathan, who came to her aid during the arrest, was also detained. The family claims that the ICE agents had a warrant but did not produce it, leaving them in a state of confusion and fear. The emotional video of Yolanda being detained, during which she cried out, “They’re going to take me,” has touched the hearts of many in the community, highlighting the human side of immigration enforcement.

The community’s reaction to the arrests has been overwhelmingly supportive of the family. Rep. Gil Cisneros, who represents El Monte, has been vocal in his criticism of the manner in which the arrests were conducted. He expressed deep concern over the way ICE handled the situation, calling the arrests “sickening.” Rep. Cisneros emphasized the contributions of immigrant families to the local economy and community, stating that they are an integral part of the fabric of the 31st District. He also highlighted the family’s efforts to care for their youngest daughter and provide her with the necessary healthcare treatments, saying that targeting such families is not a solution to the broken immigration system.

ICE has defended the arrests, stating that both Yolanda and Jonathan have criminal histories. Yolanda was arrested in 2005 for theft, and Jonathan has multiple arrests on record, including possession of controlled substances and theft. However, the community and Rep. Cisneros argue that these past mistakes do not justify the separation of a family that has been contributing positively to their community for years. They stress the need for a more humane approach to immigration enforcement, one that considers the circumstances of each individual and the impact of their removal on their families.

The arrests have sparked a broader conversation about the U.S. immigration system and the need for reform. Rep. Cisneros called for comprehensive immigration reform that addresses the issue of undocumented immigrants while upholding American values. He highlighted the importance of creating a pathway to citizenship for immigrants who have been living in the country for years, contributing to the economy, and raising families. The reform, he argued, should focus on addressing serious criminal activity while also providing a fair chance for immigrants to come out of the shadows and live without fear of deportation.

In conclusion, the story of Yolanda and Jonathan serves as a reminder of the complex and often painful reality of immigration enforcement in the United States. While ICE maintains that it is fulfilling its duty to enforce immigration laws, the community and its representatives are calling for a more compassionate approach. The arrests have left a family in turmoil, with Yolanda and Jonathan currently in detention, awaiting immigration proceedings. The situation highlights the urgent need for immigration reform that balances the enforcement of laws with the protection of family unity and the contributions of immigrants to the American society. As the debate continues, the hope is that policymakers will find a way to address the broken immigration system in a manner that upholds both justice and humanity.