Additional Coverage:
- ICE detains sole caregiver of 13-year-old California boy leaving him to fend for himself (themirror.com)
Southern California Man, Sole Caregiver to Nephew, Detained by ICE
Pomona, CA – A Southern California family is reeling after Jose Oleaz, the sole caregiver for his 13-year-old nephew, Bryan Gonzalez, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) this week. The arrest comes at a particularly difficult time for the family, as Oleaz had stepped in to raise Bryan following a tragic accident two years prior that claimed the lives of Bryan’s aunt, Yesenia, and Oleaz’s sister, Alejandra, both killed by a DUI driver.
Oleaz, who is Yesenia’s widower, had been actively pursuing the adoption process for Bryan, a process Yesenia had begun before her untimely death.
Bryan expressed his deep concern for his uncle, telling ABC 7, “My dad’s like such a good person, and he’s the one that always has to put up with the worst things.” Upon hearing of the arrest, Bryan’s immediate thought was for his uncle’s well-being. “The first thought that came to my mind was me hoping that he was OK and that nothing bad happened to him,” he shared.
According to family member Jorge Gonzales, Oleaz has been a dedicated employee at the same landscaping company for several years. “He’s very responsible, very hardworking. He’s the nicest person I know, and for this to happen to him is just devastating,” Gonzales stated.
Oleaz, who immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico more than two decades ago, is described by relatives as the family’s primary financial provider. He also cares for his father, who is battling cancer.
Family members emphasize that Oleaz has no criminal record and is deeply devoted to his family, particularly Bryan. “You are taking people away from their kids, their families,” Bryan lamented.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the family in hiring an immigration attorney and covering essential living expenses. As of this report, over $4,600 has been raised towards a $12,000 goal.
Jasmine Oleaz, another aunt, wrote in the GoFundMe description, “Bryan is left without both of his potential adoptive parents and is being cared for by myself, another aunt in the meantime.” She further appealed, “Please consider donating in order to not only help our family to obtain an immigration attorney, but to help us maintain our home while Jose remains in federal custody, as he is our family’s primary breadwinner.”
Family members attest to Oleaz’s unwavering commitment to providing a stable life for Bryan and preventing him from entering the foster care system. Bryan affectionately refers to his uncle as a “great dad” and credits him with always pushing him “to do better.”