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Venezuelan kidney donor detained by ICE after brother's transplant complications

Jul 21, 2026·Location: Chicago, IL

Country of origin: Venezuela

Venezuelan kidney donor detained by ICE after brother's transplant complications
Photo via NBC News

José Gregorio González, a 43-year-old Venezuelan immigrant, traveled to the United States to donate a kidney to his brother José Alfredo Pacheco, who has end-stage renal disease. González was arrested in March 2025 after accompanying his brother to a dialysis appointment, despite having no criminal record and a deportation order on file. ICE temporarily released him in April 2025 to proceed with the kidney donation. The transplant occurred in August 2025. González's one-year humanitarian parole expired in March 2026, and his attorney was seeking an extension to allow him to remain in the country through March 2027 for post-transplant medical monitoring. On July 21, 2026, González was detained by ICE during a routine immigration check-in while the parole extension was being pursued. Pacheco has experienced complications since the transplant and relies on González for care.

Timeline

Jul 21, 2026—González detained by ICE during routine immigration check-in while parole extension was being pursued
Mar 2026—González's one-year humanitarian parole expires; attorney seeks extension through March 2027
Aug 2025—Kidney transplant surgery completed; González's brother receives González's kidney
Apr 4, 2025—González temporarily released by ICE on humanitarian grounds to donate kidney to his brother
Mar 3, 2025—José Gregorio González arrested by ICE after accompanying his brother to a dialysis appointment
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