ICE Detains DACA Recipient While Delivering Milk to Premature Baby in NICU
In a distressing incident in Weslaco, Texas, federal immigration agents arrested Juan Chavez Velasco, a DACA recipient and medical laboratory scientist, as he was delivering milk to his 12-day-old premature infant in the neonatal intensive care unit. Velasco, a father of three U.S. citizen children, now faces deportation to Colombia, despite having no criminal record and serving as a frontline worker during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Family Crisis and Legal Battle
Velasco's infant daughter, Elianna, was born prematurely and requires 24-hour blood transfusions. His wife has highlighted that Velasco possesses the correct blood type to be a potential donor for their daughter, adding urgency to his case. Velasco's DACA renewal application, submitted in November, went unanswered, and his status expired on March 10 while he was already in custody. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson labeled Velasco as an "illegal alien" with a removal order dating back to 2005, but his attorney is actively pursuing congressional assistance and other legal avenues to halt his deportation.
Broader Implications and Community Response
This arrest has ignited widespread concern over immigration enforcement practices, particularly involving DACA recipients who contribute significantly to society. Velasco's role as a medical professional during the pandemic underscores the complex narratives often overlooked in such cases. Advocates argue that his detention not only disrupts a family in crisis but also raises questions about the fairness and humanity of current immigration policies.
