Undocumented El Monte Mother Faces Judge, Sees Sick Daughter from Detention Center
For the first time since being taken into immigration custody on February 24, 50-year-old Yolanda Perez had an opportunity to see a judge and her sick daughter, who is battling cancer.
A Mother’s Love and Devotion
Yolanda’s daughter, Xitlali Tejeda, 20, relies on her mother as her primary caretaker as she goes through chemotherapy treatments. "She means everything to me. She’s like my right hand," Xitlali said, breaking down in tears. "She cooks for me. She does everything for me. Changes me. She showers me. She’s there for me. She doesn’t leave my side."
A Brief Hearing and a Frustrating Outcome
Tejeda traveled from El Monte to San Diego for the hearing, but the proceedings lasted only a few minutes and were over before she made it inside. Her mother’s attorney filed a request for a hearing to determine if Perez could be released on bond. The judge scheduled the next hearing for March 20, with a bond hearing to be held in the interim.
A Plea for Release
"It’s literally a life and death situation," said Acalin, Yolanda’s attorney. "The daughter is gravely ill. She needs the mother as her full-time caretaker to take her to her doctors, to the treatments." Yolanda was arrested outside her El Monte home as immigration agents targeted her son, Johnathan, who is also undocumented. However, Johnathan has since served his time in rehab and has no criminal record.
A Troubling History
Yolanda has a misdemeanor charge from 20 years ago for shoplifting, which Acalin described as stealing food to eat. "Clearly, this person is not a national security risk or a danger to society," Acalin said. "In criminal court, this is the equivalent of a bad speeding ticket."
A Desperate Plea
Yolanda is now praying for the day she’ll be released to take care of her daughter, who has just learned that her work’s health insurance has been cut off and chemotherapy has been put on hold. "My daughter needs me outside," Yolanda said. "I hope they find it in their hearts to let her go and be with me," Xitlali added.
Conclusion
Yolanda’s case highlights the difficult situation faced by many undocumented immigrants who are separated from their families and loved ones. As the hearing is set for March 20, Yolanda and her daughter can only hope that the judge will see the humanity in their situation and grant her release.
FAQs
- What is Yolanda’s situation?
Yolanda, an undocumented immigrant, was taken into custody on February 24 and is currently in a detention center. - What is her daughter’s condition?
Xitlali Tejeda, 20, is battling cancer and relies on her mother as her primary caretaker. - What is the outcome of the hearing?
The hearing lasted only a few minutes, and the judge scheduled the next hearing for March 20, with a bond hearing to be held in the interim. - What are the charges against Yolanda?
Yolanda has a misdemeanor charge from 20 years ago for shoplifting, which Acalin described as stealing food to eat.
