ICE Releases Man for Kidney Donation to Brother

José Gregorio González, a Venezuelan man detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while attempting to donate a kidney to his ailing brother, has been temporarily released. González, who was arrested on March 3, was freed following pressure from activists and lawmakers, including Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin. His brother, José Alfredo Pacheco, suffers from end-stage renal disease and relies on thrice-weekly dialysis to survive. The case highlighted concerns over immigration enforcement practices, with advocates asserting González's detention was unwarranted as he has no criminal record in the U.S. or Venezuela. González, who has been under ICE supervision, expressed gratitude for the support he received and is expected to continue with the donation process at the University of Illinois Medical Center. The Resurrection Project, an immigrant rights group, played a key role in advocating for his release, emphasizing the need for humane immigration policies.