An El Monte woman is back home after a brief arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Yolanda Perez, 50, was released on bond after a judge agreed to her request. She is the primary caregiver for her adult daughter, Xitlali Tejeda, who is battling a rare form of bone cancer.
Perez was taken into custody on February 24 when ICE agents arrived at her home looking for her son, Jonathan Tejeda. He is also in the country illegally and has a history of nonviolent crimes, including petty theft and drug possession. When Perez questioned the agents about her son’s arrest, they discovered her own immigration status and a past conviction for petty theft from 2005.
Her attorney, David Acalin, explained that Perez had stolen food to feed her family and had completed her probation without serving jail time. The arrest sparked outrage in the community, especially given her role as a caregiver for her daughter, who relies heavily on her for support and transportation to medical appointments.
During the immigration hearing in San Diego, Acalin highlighted the need for Perez to be with her daughter, who has missed chemotherapy sessions due to the situation. Despite the prosecutor’s arguments against her release, the judge ultimately decided to grant her bond. Perez was released after posting $1,500.
Acalin expressed relief that the judge showed compassion in this case, emphasizing the importance of family support during difficult times. He is now working to move Perez’s case to Los Angeles, a process that may take weeks. For now, she can focus on caring for her daughter at home.