The arrest of Yolanda Magallón Pérez, an undocumented immigrant aged 50, has sparked a strong reaction in California and has reignited the debate over the United States' immigration policies.
The woman, mother of three children, was arrested by agents of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in El Monte, east of Los Angeles, in an operation that also included the capture of her eldest son, Jonathan Tejeda.
However, what has caused the greatest outrage is that Yolanda is the primary caregiver for her 21-year-old daughter, Xitlali Tejeda, who suffers from an aggressive bone cancer that keeps her in a wheelchair.
Magallón's arrest was recorded on video by neighborhood residents and by his own son.
In the images, Yolanda is seen being handcuffed while Jonathan reassures her with a supportive message: “Everything is fine, you haven't done anything.”
The woman, visibly affected, responds: “But they are going to take me away.”
Minutes later, she was put into an ICE van and taken to the Otay Mesa detention center in San Diego, where she awaits a resolution regarding her future.
The impact on a vulnerable family
Since her arrest on February 24, Xitlali's life has changed drastically.
Her osteosarcoma has worsened in the past year, forcing her to undergo chemotherapy and surgeries that have left her unable to move.
Her mother was the one who helped her with essential tasks like bathing, dressing, and feeding herself.
Now, with Yolanda and Jonathan detained, the young woman is facing a critical situation.
"I can't walk or go to the bathroom by myself", she said in statements to Telemundo 51.
"Now that I don't have her, everything is difficult; I haven't even eaten well. All I think about is what is going to happen to her," he added.
Jonathan, who was also arrested during the operation, has a criminal record, although his family claims that he has already served his sentence and is currently the main financial provider for the household.
Her lawyer, David Acalin, asserts that Yolanda's detention was collateral and that she was not the main target of ICE.
Although the woman has a misdemeanor theft charge from 2005, her criminal record is virtually clean, which has raised questions about the selectivity in the enforcement of immigration policies.
Reactions and protests
The immigrant community in California has responded with outrage to the detention of Magallón.
Activist groups and pro-immigrant organizations have organized protests outside the Otay Mesa detention center and have demanded the immediate release of detainees.
"We demand that ICE and the courts recognize the costs of separating a mother from her daughter, especially when that daughter is fighting for her life," stated Flor Martínez, one of the organizers of the protests.
The mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, has expressed her concern regarding the case and has offered financial support to the family to prevent Yolanda's children from becoming homeless.
In addition, fundraising campaigns have been initiated to cover Magallón's legal defense, as Xitlali has expressed that her greatest fear is not her own health, but the fate of her mother.
“With them at risk of being deported, my health is in great danger. I ask the community for help so that I can pay for a lawyer,” the young woman stated.
An uncertain legal battle
Last Thursday, Yolanda Magallón had her first bond hearing before an immigration judge, marking the beginning of her legal process.
Her lawyer has submitted documents proving Xitlali's dependency and has requested her release on bail.
However, Acalin acknowledges that the odds are not promising, as immigration laws are stricter when the dependent person is not a minor.
If the young woman were under 18, her mother could apply for a special procedure to cancel the expulsion.
As the case unfolds, public pressure continues to rise.
The aggressive immigration policy of Donald Trump, following his return to the White House, has targeted families like that of Magallón, highlighting the vulnerability experienced by thousands of immigrants living in the United States.
Frequently asked questions about the detention of immigrants by ICE in the U.S.
Why was Yolanda Magallón Pérez arrested by ICE?
Yolanda Magallón Pérez was arrested for being an undocumented immigrant during an operation by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in El Monte, California. Although she was not the primary target of the operation, her detention has sparked controversy due to her family situation, as she is the primary caregiver for her daughter who is suffering from cancer.
What is the situation of Yolanda Magallón's daughter following her arrest?
The daughter of Yolanda, Xitlali Tejeda, is facing a critical situation as her mother was her primary caregiver. Xitlali suffers from aggressive bone cancer and has expressed that she now finds it difficult to carry out essential daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating, in addition to being worried about her mother's fate.
What reactions has the arrest of Yolanda Magallón provoked in the community?
The arrest of Yolanda has sparked outrage and protests in California. The immigrant community and pro-immigrant organizations have demanded her immediate release, highlighting the emotional and physical toll of separating a mother from her sick daughter. Protests and fundraising campaigns have also been organized to support her legal defense.
What legal options does Yolanda Magallón have to avoid deportation?
Yolanda Magallón can request bail and her attorney has submitted documents proving her daughter's dependency. However, the chances are limited since immigration laws are stricter when the dependent is an adult. There is public pressure for her family situation to be considered in the resolution of her case.
Filed under:
