Family Struggles with Tragic Loss Amid Deportation Proceedings

In May, Samuel Gonzalez Terrones learned he had depression and schizophrenia. He began therapy and medication, hoping these would ease his frequent dark thoughts. Occasionally, he had to call the police on himself due to emotional distress. A month later, his mother, Minerva Terrones Dominguez, was arrested by immigration agents for being in the country illegally while on her way to a grocery store in San Bernardino.

Minerva’s detention left the family strained as they worked extra shifts to afford an immigration lawyer. Samuel, unable to hold a steady job due to his condition, spent increasing amounts of time alone. His sister, Sari Gonzalez, noted that their mom was the one person who could calm him during moments of crisis.

Attorney Arturo Burga found a legal route for Minerva to stay in the U.S. permanently. This process, called cancellation of removal, depended on proving that deportation would cause extreme hardship to Samuel, a U.S. citizen. Unfortunately, the necessary paperwork was never filed.

“Samuel wrote about his mother’s detention in a letter before his death, shared with The Times. He said the event felt like hitting ‘one last wall.’”

On August 12, San Bernardino police responded to an incident at a railroad crossing. Samuel was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 21 years old.

If you or someone you know faces suicidal thoughts, professional help is crucial. Dial 988 for the national mental health crisis hotline, connecting you with trained counselors, or text “HOME” to 741741 in the U.S. and Canada to reach the Crisis Text Line.

The motivations behind suicide are complex, and the impact of Trump administration’s immigration policies on such decisions is unclear. Yet, immigrant advocates have recorded instances of self-harm linked to these policies.

For example, a 20-year-old Haitian man in Springfield, Ohio, took drastic action after losing Temporary Protected Status and receiving an ankle monitor. Additionally, the Associated Press reported ten detainees died by suicide since Trump took office—a rate surpassing the growth of the detainee population.

Samuel’s family describes him as caring and generous, a person who loved humor, chocolate conchas, and video games, aspiring to be a graphic designer. Despite his battles, Samuel was involved with his siblings, sometimes challenging them physically or guiding a pet down a skateboard ramp.

His older sister recalls these activities, alongside Samuel’s mental health challenges starting while he was in high school. She notes he gradually lost interest in things he once loved.

Sari and her siblings each found ways to help Samuel. They played video games, discussed adulthood, went to church, and accompanied their father on jobs. Sari noted his efforts to improve, marking him brave and strong.

The day Minerva was detained, she was abruptly informed by ICE agents, who mocked her belongings and EBT card. She had lived in the U.S. for 33 years without arrests, convictions, or removal proceedings.

Sari was quickly informed and rushed to fetch her mother’s belongings within an hour. Seeing Samuel heartbroken further stressed her.

Sundays became visiting days for Minerva at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center. Sari worked extra shifts at her factory job to manage legal and living expenses. The family’s drive to see Minerva lasted 45 minutes sans traffic, but presence three hours early was necessary to secure a slot to visit. The return trip home was tearful.

While the family strained financially, Samuel retreated to his room, away from his siblings. Reporting Samuel’s death, attorney Burga emailed ICE seeking Minerva’s emergency release. Surprisingly, ICE responded with condolences, expressing compassion.

Sari waited before informing Minerva about Samuel’s passing to not affect her court hearing. Despite the need for comforting, visitation protocols forbade hugs amid Minerva’s grief.

On August 31, a judge ruled Minerva illegally detained, citing flaws in Homeland Security’s mandatory detention policy and providing a reason for Minerva’s release. Minerva remains in deportation proceedings, no longer eligible for the legal pathway previously planned.

Sari considers joining the U.S. military, leveraging immigration benefits for undocumented parents. The family has launched a fundraiser for Samuel’s funeral.

On September 22, family and friends gathered to lay Samuel Gonzalez Terrones to rest. Mourners held white roses, remembering the young dreamer who longed for his mother’s care during difficult times.

A few days after being freed from detention, Minerva attended the cemetery, reflecting on her beloved son’s loss and the challenges her family faces.