Couple deported after decades in the US under immigration crackdown

In March 2025, Gladys Gonzalez and Nelson Gonzalez, two Colombian immigrants, were deported back to Colombia after 35 years of residence in California. The couple arrived in the U.S. in November 1989, fleeing violence and instability in Colombia. They raised three daughters who are all U.S. citizens and had regularly checked in with U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) without any legal issues. Despite having no criminal history, they were detained during a routine check-in on February 21, 2025, and held for several weeks before being forcibly removed from the country on March 18, 2025. Their adult daughters described the experience as shocking and pointed out that their parents had consistently contributed positively to their community throughout their time in the U.S. The deportation of Gladys and Nelson Gonzalez has drawn attention to the ongoing immigration policies under the Trump administration, which have increased pressure on long-term undocumented residents. The couple's situation underlines the fact that maintaining a clean legal record and being law-abiding does not guarantee protection from deportation. After exhausting all legal avenues to remain in the U.S. over 21 years, they ultimately found themselves at the mercy of a system that prioritizes deportation even for non-criminal immigrants. This unsettling reality raises pressing questions regarding the treatment of individuals who have spent decades adhering to immigration laws and raising families in the United States. Nelson Gonzalez initially applied for asylum in 1992, but his claim was closed after he failed to attend a scheduled interview in 1998. Although he and Gladys had previously agreed to leave the U.S. voluntarily in 2000, they later pursued various legal avenues to establish residency and did so for over two decades. The couple's situation reflects a broader trend among immigrant families caught in the web of strict immigration enforcement policies that target not only violent offenders but families and individuals who have lived without issues for many years. Their unfortunate story signals the emotional and financial toll such actions can inflict on families, especially those who have built their lives in the U.S. and established deep community ties. As cases like that of Gladys and Nelson Gonzalez continue to surface, advocates for immigrant rights urge for a more humane approach towards undocumented immigrants, especially those with long histories of family and community contributions. This incident reinforces the challenges that families face within the U.S. immigration system and calls attention to conversations around reform, fairness, and the history of America as a nation of immigrants. Without any legislative changes, many families will continue to live in fear of sudden separation due to strict immigration enforcement policies in place, leading to devastating impacts on family cohesion and emotional well-being.