In May, Samuel Gonzalez Terrones faced a significant turning point in his life. Diagnosed with depression and schizophrenia, he embarked on a path aimed at recovery. Therapy sessions and medication became his hope for relief from the pervasive dark thoughts. These thoughts often drove him to seek police intervention.
However, by June, another crisis struck the Gonzalez family. Minerva Terrones Dominguez, Samuel’s mother, was taken into custody by immigration agents in San Bernardino for living in the United States illegally. Her detention dealt a heavy blow to Samuel’s fragile mental health.
Minerva was the key caregiver for Samuel during his darkest moments. Sari Gonzalez, Samuel’s older sister, emphasized her mother’s role: “Everyone would be at work or school, and my mom was the only one to calm him, assure him that his siblings would soon be home.” To fund an immigration lawyer, Samuel’s family took on extra work shifts. Samuel, unable to hold a steady job due to his condition, spent increasing amounts of time alone.
The lawyer, Arturo Burga, identified a path for Minerva to remain in the U.S. This process, known as ‘cancellation of removal,’ hinged on proving that deportation would cause extreme hardship to Samuel, a U.S. citizen. Tragically, the necessary paperwork was never filed.
Samuel, 21, was pronounced dead at the scene by police at a railroad crossing on August 12. In a letter shared posthumously, Samuel expressed his sense of injustice, referencing his mother’s detention: “To the ICE agent who took my mother: I hope it was worth it. I can’t handle any more injustices in this world.”
His story underscores issues within immigration policy effects. While motivations for suicide can be complex, the aggressive policies under the Trump administration raised concerns among immigrant advocates.
Examples of mental health crises induced by these policies are prevalent. The Associated Press reported suicides among detainees since 2017, a rate surpassing growth in the detainee population.
Gonzalez family remembers Samuel as a kind and generous soul. He loved chocolate conchas, video games, and aspired to be a graphic designer. Despite his struggles, Samuel cherished moments with his siblings, playing games, talking about life, and making memories at the skate park.
Samuel’s issues initially surfaced in 2021 while a freshman at Cajon High School. His interests waned, including his passion for fitness.
The family rallying around him played diverse roles in supporting Samuel. From spiritual guidance to companionship during leisure activities, each sibling contributed to his support network.
On the day Minerva was detained, Samuel witnessed the event while at home with Sari. Federal agents stopped Minerva outside, citing mistaken identity, and mocked her for having an EBT card. Despite her lengthy U.S. residency and her clean legal record, Minerva faced unjust detention.
Sari took necessary steps, juggling added hours at her machine operator job, while managing visits to her detained mother. Every Sunday, they arrived at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center hours ahead to secure visitation opportunities.
On routes to the facility, Samuel would show happiness, but on returns, sorrow enveloped the family.
The financial burden of legal representation mounted, affecting basic living expenses. Samuel distanced himself from family interactions, retreating to solitude.
After Samuel’s tragic death, Burga’s firm requested Minerva’s release on humanitarian grounds. ICE offered condolences, a rare outcome sparking critique from Burga’s office. They noted compassion followed only after suicide.
Sari delayed disclosing Samuel’s death to Minerva. Her reasoning included concerns about clouding her mother’s judgment before a crucial court hearing.
Upon receiving a brief visitation opportunity, Sari broke the news to Minerva, who was denied physical comfort despite her emotional distress.
Federal Judge Brianna Fuller Mircheff later ordered Minerva’s release. She found Minerva was held illegally, based on flawed DHS processes. Hundreds faced similar unjust detentions.
Without Samuel, Minerva lost a key component of her legal case. Sari now considers enlisting in the U.S. military to secure immigration benefits for undocumented parents.
Economic strain prompted the family to launch a fundraiser for Samuel’s funeral on September 22 at Rialto Park Cemetery. Holding white long-stemmed roses, loved ones mourned the loss of a cherished family member. Minerva faced her son’s farewell, remembering his love for family and desire for her support during captivity.
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