CHICAGO (Reuters) – A Venezuelan man was released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention after one month so that he could reunite on Friday with his ailing brother who needs his kidney donation to save his life.
Jose Gregorio Gonzalez had been detained at his brother’s house in Chicago on March 3 after coming to care for his brother in the United States a year ago.
“It was a very beautiful moment because we were raised very, very close,” said the ailing brother, Jose Pacheco, adding “they separated me for a month and a day without knowing what was going to happen to him.”
Gonzalez said he was grateful to everyone, including lawmakers, lawyers and the non-profit Resurrection Project, who fought for his release.
Pacheco’s lawyer Peter Meinecke said Gonzalez will be released for one year under an order of supervision.
“At the end of one year, ICE could detain him and could ultimately seek to remove him to Venezuela,” Meinecke said. “Most people who work in immigration will tell you that outcomes like this are not common.”
U.S. Democratic Representative Chuy Garcia from Illinois said the case was a reminder of “the urgency of immigrant justice” and celebrated that the organ donation could take place.
Asked how he felt when he saw his brother, Gonzalez said: “It was unforgettable. I didn’t think I’d be here.”
(Writing by Mary Milliken, Editing by Rosalba O’Brien)
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