An 18-year-old Chicago-born teenager who was battling terminal cancer has died in Durango, Mexico, just a day after being reunited with his parents after being released from US immigration detention.
Kevin Gonzalez’s death was confirmed Sunday by his aunt and brother, NBC Chicago/Telemundo Chicago reported.
The emotional case attracted national attention after Kevin publicly pleaded for his parents to be released so they could spend his final days with him.
Parents released from ICE custody after court order
Earlier this week, an immigration judge ordered the expedited release of Kevin’s parents — Isidor González Avilés and Norma Anabel Ramírez Amaya — from immigration detention in Arizona, the news outlet reports.
The couple tried to cross the US-Mexico border after learning their son was in critical condition.
Kevin, an American citizen born in Chicago, lived in Mexico with relatives after his parents were deported years ago.
A teenager was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer
Kevin was diagnosed with colon cancer earlier this year after traveling to Chicago for medical treatment related to ongoing stomach issues, the news outlet reported.
Doctors later discovered that the cancer had spread to his stomach and lungs, leaving no viable treatment options. Doctors are said to have advised the family to focus on comfort care during his last days.
While his parents remained detained by immigration authorities, Kevin returned to Mexico and stayed with his grandmother.
An emotional reunion before his death
On Saturday, Kevin was reunited with his parents in Durango, an emotional homecoming after months of uncertainty and legal efforts.
The teenager reportedly spent his last hours surrounded by family and friends.
Kevin died Sunday afternoon with his parents by his side.
The immigration case drew national attention
Kevin’s case drew widespread support from immigrant advocacy groups, lawmakers and the Mexican consulate, all of whom pushed for the parents’ release.
A federal judge reportedly reacted emotionally during a court hearing last week before approving their release on Friday.
The Department of Homeland Security said Kevin’s mother tried to re-enter the United States on two occasions after being deported.
A DHS spokesperson told NBC Chicago that the couple did not apply for humanitarian parole, but instead applied for B1/B2 visitor visas, which were denied because of their immigration history.
The case has reignited debate in the United States about immigration enforcement, humanitarian exemptions and family reunification during medical emergencies.
