ICE Detains Immigrant Kidney Donor Amid Deportation Proceedings
José Gregorio González, a Venezuelan immigrant who donated a kidney to his brother, has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a routine check-in in Chicago. González had been under ICE supervision after his humanitarian parole expired, which allowed him to stay in the U.S. temporarily. Despite having no criminal record and complying with supervision requirements, he was detained due to overstaying his parole. His lawyer, Peter Meinecke, argues that González poses no threat and should not be detained. González's brother, José Alfredo Pacheco, who received the kidney, relies on him for care as he recovers from the transplant. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) states that González will remain in custody pending removal proceedings to Venezuela, a country currently facing a severe healthcare crisis exacerbated by recent earthquakes.