Orange County(Thechieftainspear) – An Orange County couple who had lived in the United States for more than 35 years was deported to Colombia earlier this week, leaving behind their three daughters and a young grandson, according to media reports.
Nelson Gonzalez, 59, and Gladys Gonzalez, 55, first arrived in the U.S. near San Ysidro decades ago before settling in Laguna Niguel, where they built their lives and raised their family. Despite years of legal efforts to remain in the country, they were ultimately ordered to leave after exhausting all available options, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) told The Orange County Register.
Legal Battles and Unexpected Detention
The couple had pursued multiple legal avenues to secure their stay, including appeals with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Board of Immigration Appeals. However, between March 2000 and August 2021, their attempts were denied, and they were deemed in violation of immigration laws.
On February 21, during a routine check-in with immigration officials, Nelson and Gladys were unexpectedly detained. Their daughters, all U.S. citizens, were shocked by the sudden arrest.
“They were handcuffed at the wrists and ankles, treated like criminals, and taken to detention centers,” said Stephanie Gonzalez, 27, in an interview with KTLA. “They have no criminal record, they’ve always complied with immigration requirements, and yet they were arrested without warning.”
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Journey Through Detention Centers
Initially held at the Adelanto Detention Center in San Bernardino County, the couple was later transferred to facilities in Arizona and Louisiana before being deported. While the experience was traumatic for them, Stephanie told The Register that her parents were relieved to be out of detention and had reunited with family members in Colombia who are helping them adjust to their new reality.
Family Plans to Visit Parents in Colombia
The couple’s daughters—Jessica, 33, Stephanie, 27, and Gabby, 23—are now staying together in Newport Beach, where Jessica lives with her husband. They are planning a trip to Colombia soon to visit their parents and support them as they rebuild their lives.
The family acknowledged that they are among many who have been impacted by stricter immigration enforcement efforts in recent years. They continue to hope for a resolution that will allow them to be reunited permanently.
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