Man Became Wife’s Caretaker After Terminal Cancer Diagnosis. After He Was Deported by ICE, Their Daughters Are Fighting for His Return

Three sisters in California are making a heartfelt plea for the release of their father, Armando Gonzalez, who is currently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The family is grappling with the imminent loss of their mother, who is receiving hospice care for terminal brain cancer. The emotional turmoil this family is experiencing has intensified following Armando’s arrest on March 31, just as they were preparing to confront the possible death of their mother.

Adriana Gonzalez, 20, spoke about the family’s anguish, saying, “Now it feels like we’re not just losing my mum but my father.” Her father, a 49-year-old handyman, was taken into custody in their hometown of Big Bear Lake while on his way to work. The sisters had shared a final goodnight with him before waking to find he had been detained. “We said good night, and the next thing, we woke up, and he was gone,” Adriana recounted, reflecting on how disorienting the situation has been for the family.

Upon learning about Armando’s arrest, the sisters rushed to the scene on Big Bear Boulevard, where they found his abandoned vehicle. In moments of deep sorrow, Adriana expressed a desire for a simple familiar comfort: “I wish my dad could just give us a hug, and we could be sitting with my mum, enjoying our last few moments.”

According to a statement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Armando was apprehended because he is considered a “criminal illegal alien” from Mexico with previous public order offences. The agency confirmed that he entered the United States illegally, though his daughters insist that he has no serious criminal record apart from a few traffic violations, primarily concerning a suspended driving licence.

Armando has been described by his daughters as a devoted family man who has always been there for them. “Growing up, he’s never been charged with anything, that I know of,” Adriana stated, emphasising his character as a quiet and untroubled parent. As one of the sisters, she is also attempting to secure permanent residency for her father, but, as a U.S. citizen, she can only apply once she turns 21, which is still a year away.

Since moving to the United States at 18, Armando has raised his family in Big Bear Lake, and his detainment has left his daughters feeling unmoored, especially as they cope with their mother’s illness. “He was the light of the family right now,” Adriana said, highlighting the emotional support he provided. “When he would walk into a room, we felt reassured that everything is going to be okay, and now we don’t know how to go from here.”

The sisters have set up a GoFundMe campaign to assist with legal fees associated with their father’s detention. The fundraising page pointed out that Armando serves as the primary caregiver for his wife, Erika, during her battle with cancer. “These last few months with her are precious, and we are terrified that his detention will prevent him from being by her side during this incredibly difficult time,” the organiser of the fundraiser stated.

As they navigate this challenging period, the sisters remain resolute in their mission to secure their father’s release. “They’ve taught me everything I know,” Adriana reflected, “and without them, I feel like I lose myself.” This sentiment underscores the depth of their family bond and the weight of the crisis they are currently facing.

The case highlights how immigration enforcement can disrupt families at pivotal moments, particularly when they are already dealing with severe personal hardships. As the sisters continue their advocacy, they invite community support in a hope to reunite their family during this critical juncture.