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Grandfather detained seven months by ICE, missed daughter's birth and granddaughter's arrival

Aug 4, 2026·Location: Los Lunas, NM

Grandfather detained seven months by ICE, missed daughter's birth and granddaughter's arrival
Photo via GoFundMe

Valentín, a hardworking family man, was detained by ICE for more than seven months in inhumane conditions. During his detention, he endured days without meals and was served cold or contaminated food, including food with worms. He was separated from his family with minimal meaningful communication and was unable to be present when his daughter gave birth, learning only later in custody that he had a newborn granddaughter. After his eventual release and reunification with his family, Valentín faces significant accumulated debt as he works to rebuild their lives.

Timeline

Aug 4, 2026—Valentín released from ICE detention and reunified with family; facing accumulated debt and financial hardship
Unknown—Valentín detained by ICE while working
Unknown—Valentín endured inhumane detention conditions including inadequate meals and contaminated food over seven-month period
Unknown—Valentín's daughter gave birth while he was in custody; he learned of newborn granddaughter while detained
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