Yolanda Perez, a 50-year-old woman from El Monte, California, is back home after being arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. She was released on a $1,500 bond during an immigration hearing in San Diego. Perez is the primary caregiver for her daughter, Xitlali Tejeda, who is battling a rare bone cancer known as osteosarcoma.
The incident began on February 24 when ICE agents came to Perez’s home to arrest her son, Jonathan Tejeda. He is also in the U.S. illegally and has a history of nonviolent crimes, including petty theft and possession of a controlled substance. Perez was detained after she questioned the agents about her son’s arrest.
According to her attorney, David Acalin, the situation escalated when agents inquired about Perez’s immigration status. They discovered that she had a petty theft conviction from 2005, which led to her arrest. Acalin explained that Perez had stolen food to support her family and had paid a fine and completed probation without serving jail time.
The community reacted strongly to her arrest, given her role as a caregiver for her daughter, who relies on her for daily support and medical appointments. Xitlali, 21, has missed chemotherapy treatments due to the situation, which has raised concerns among family and friends.
During the hearing, Acalin highlighted the urgency of Perez’s situation, emphasizing her responsibility for her daughter’s care. Despite the prosecutor’s objections, the judge granted her release, allowing her to return home. Acalin plans to request that the case be moved to Los Angeles, which could take some time.
For now, Perez can focus on caring for her daughter, who needs her support during this challenging time.