In May, Samuel Gonzalez Terrones received diagnoses of depression and schizophrenia, prompting him to begin therapy and medication to manage his worsening mental health. Despite these efforts, his condition remained fragile, and he sometimes resorted to calling the police on himself during episodes of distress.

A month later, his mother, Minerva Terrones Dominguez, 54, was detained by immigration authorities in San Bernardino after disembarking from a bus while on her way to a grocery store. She was taken into custody for being in the United States without legal authorization. Her detention had a profound impact on the family, particularly on Samuel, whose mental health deteriorated further in her absence.

Samuel’s older sister, Sari Gonzalez, 32, said their mother had been the primary caregiver during his difficult episodes, providing comfort and reassurance when the rest of the family was occupied with work or school. With Minerva detained, Samuel increasingly spent time alone at home in Rialto, which exacerbated his isolation and emotional distress.

To afford legal representation, Samuel’s siblings and father increased their work hours, taking on extra shifts to cover the costs of an immigration lawyer. The family’s lawyer, Arturo Burga, identified a potential legal remedy known as cancellation of removal, which requires demonstrating that a deportation would cause exceptional hardship to the individual’s family. Mr. Burga worked to secure Minerva’s release from detention and help her obtain permanent residency in the United States.

The case underscores the challenges faced by families impacted by immigration enforcement, particularly when a member with significant health needs depends on those who may be subject to deportation. It also highlights the broader implications of detention on family stability and access to necessary care for vulnerable individuals.

As of the latest reports, Minerva remains in detention while legal proceedings continue, with the family hoping for a resolution that would allow them to remain together and support Samuel’s ongoing treatment.