Ramirez Demands CBP End Detainment and Return Parents of US Citizen Teen with Terminal Cancer

May 7, 2026 Press Release Chicago, IL — Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement on the case of Kevin Gonzalez, her 18-year-old constituent with stage 4 colon cancer, whose parents were detained by CBP in Arizona after trying to cross the border to reunite with their son and say goodbye. The statement comes after Congresswoman Ramirez worked to ensure the expedited return of Kevin’s parents. Kevin – who is currently in México – is expected to reunite with his parents. “We don’t have to look far to find the disastrous, painful effect of the Trump administration's anti-immigrant campaign. This week, we were witnesses to the story of Kevin Gonzalez, a young man – my constituent – dying of colon cancer whose only wish was to see his parents one last time. We heard his plea for CBP to release his parents before it was too late. After a month of uncertainty, I am relieved to say that today, a judge has ordered the expedited return of his parents. The ruling is a sign that when we fight, we win. But the work is not done. My office, with the support of the Mexican consulate in Chicago and Arizona and their legal team, continues tirelessly to ensure the Gonzalez family is reunited without delay. I am proud to be part of a coalition fighting to ensure that families remain together and the rule of law is upheld. The Gonzalez family belongs together, safe and united as they face Kevin’s illness together. Rejecting visas to Kevin’s family did not protect our communities. Putting families through the pain, stress, and fear of separation is not making our loved ones safer. Detaining immigrants for months in for-profit, inhumane detentions is not securing our nation. But the cruelty and the pain are the point. So we must be clear that the only way our families will be safe, protected, and secure is by ending all detention, abolishing ICE, and dismantling DHS. Anything short of that will be a disservice to the families impacted by the Department of Terror.” Issues : Immigration