A California woman who says she is an undocumented immigrant alleges that her uncle took possession of a $2 million lottery jackpot after she gave him the winning ticket over fears of deportation. The woman, Ruby Reyes, told Spanish-language media that she purchased the $20 scratch-off ticket at a liquor store in Santa Rosa in late 2024 and later discovered she had won the jackpot.

According to Reyes, she was reluctant to claim the prize in her own name due to concerns about her immigration status, so she entrusted the ticket to an uncle who she said was a legal resident. She expected him to cash the ticket and return the money to her. Lottery records show the uncle received a payment of $1,520,000 after federal and state taxes were deducted.

Reyes has since attempted to contact her uncle in hopes that he will return the money. She said she has initiated legal proceedings, although specific details of the lawsuit have not been made public. “It was a dream I had,” Reyes said, adding, “I only thought about my future and that of my children. I am telling the truth, and nothing but the truth, and I have sufficient evidence to win this case.”

Legal experts note that undocumented immigrants are not prohibited from claiming lottery winnings in California, although prizes are subject to taxation regardless of immigration status. Reyes’ case sheds light on the challenges faced by some immigrant communities when accessing public benefits or financial opportunities, amid concerns about legal status and potential immigration consequences.

The dispute remains unresolved as Reyes pursues her claim through the courts. Lottery officials confirmed the ticket was cashed by the uncle but did not comment on the ongoing family dispute.