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ICE Detention of Pomona Teen's Caregiver Puts His Placement at Risk

Relatives pursue legal help to keep the 13-year-old out of foster care.

Overview

  • Immigration agents detained Jose de Jesus Olaez in Pomona this week during a work trip, with cellphone video showing officers surrounding his vehicle.
  • The teen he has been raising lost his aunt and foster mother, Yesenia Gomez, in a DUI crash as she was formalizing his adoption.
  • Family members say Olaez has lived in the United States for about 24 years and has no criminal record.
  • Relatives are working with a social worker to keep the boy with family rather than re-enter the foster system.
  • A GoFundMe is raising money for basic expenses and an immigration attorney while Olaez remains in federal custody.