ICE detention leaves longtime Silver Lake caretaker gravely ill, partner fears death
Rafael Vela Gonzalez, 66, was taken by ICE in January and after nearly eight months in custody is now unable to walk and suffers painful sores, while his 81-year-old partner worries he may die in detention.
In January, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents dragged Rafael Vela Gonzalez, 66, from the steps of his Silver Lake residence. The Salvadoran-born longtime handyman, known for helping neighbors, has spent almost eight months in ICE custody and now suffers from a mysterious rash, swollen legs and bleeding sores that make walking nearly impossible. After collapsing in his cell, he was hospitalized in June and later returned to detention.
Although a U.S. District Judge ordered sweeping improvements at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center, detainees still describe poor sanitation and insufficient medical attention. Vela Gonzalez’s 81-year-old partner, Vivian Lee Arguello, relied on him for household tasks and medication management; she has rehomed their German shepherd and intends to sell their house as she fears he may not survive detention. Community members have voiced outrage, holding vigils and raising funds to support his legal fight.
Why it matters
The case underscores ongoing concerns about medical care and human rights in U.S. immigration detention facilities.
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