Sisters Face Losing Parents to Cancer, Deportation

Armando Gonzalez detained by ICE while his wife battles terminal brain cancer in Big Bear Lake

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:25pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A realistic oil painting depicting an old pickup truck parked on a quiet suburban street, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of solitude and melancholy.As a family faces the unimaginable loss of both parents, a lone vehicle stands as a poignant symbol of the disruption to their lives.Big Bear Lake Today

Three sisters in Big Bear Lake, California are facing the unimaginable - losing both of their parents. Their mother, Erika, is battling Stage 4 brain cancer and is in hospice with little time left. Their father, Armando Gonzalez, a local handyman, was recently detained by federal immigration agents while on his way to work, and is now facing deportation to Mexico.

Why it matters

This heartbreaking situation highlights the human toll of the nation's immigration policies, as families are torn apart even in the midst of medical crises. The sisters' plight has sparked outrage and calls for compassion, raising questions about the priorities of immigration enforcement and the impact on local communities.

The details

Armando Gonzalez, 49, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on Tuesday morning in Big Bear Lake. His truck was left abandoned and he was taken to the Adelanto ICE Processing Center, which has faced allegations of inhumane conditions. The sisters believe their father did not have a final removal order or warrant, and was simply 'at the wrong place at the wrong time.' Court records show Gonzalez had a minor traffic violation in 2011 that he paid a fine for.

  • Armando Gonzalez was detained by ICE agents on Tuesday, April 2, 2026.
  • Erika Gonzalez, the sisters' mother, is in hospice care with terminal brain cancer and has little time left.

The players

Armando Gonzalez

A 49-year-old local handyman and father of three daughters in Big Bear Lake, California who was recently detained by ICE and is facing deportation to Mexico.

Erika Gonzalez

The mother of the three sisters, who is battling Stage 4 brain cancer and is in hospice care with little time left to live.

Adriana Gonzalez

One of the three sisters facing the loss of both parents, a 20-year-old who was awoken by the call that her father had been detained by ICE.

Citlalli Montes

One of the three sisters facing the loss of both parents, a 26-year-old who was interviewed about her father's detention.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“These last few months with her are precious, and we are terrified that his detention will prevent him from being by her side during this incredibly difficult time.”

— The Gonzalez sisters

“That's why my dad is so significant for us because he helps. You can't go through it alone; you need a team. And now, not only are we losing our mom, but our dad's gone.”

— Adriana Gonzalez

What’s next

The sisters are trying to raise money through a GoFundMe campaign to provide legal assistance to their father so that he can be home with his wife during her final days.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking case illustrates the devastating human toll when immigration enforcement policies separate families, even in the midst of medical crises. It raises urgent questions about the priorities and compassion of the nation's immigration system.