Rigo Mendoza says his 15-year-old son Kevin — who was diagnosed with cancer in November — died on Jan. 5 after his condition worsened the night his wife, Arlith Martínez, was detained by ICE on Jan. 3. Martínez, an undocumented immigrant, was transferred to a detention center in New Jersey and later released on $12,000 bail with an electronic monitor. The couple, who raised four U.S.-citizen children during more than 20 years in the U.S., plan to return to Mexico with Kevin’s remains. The Mexican Embassy is assisting with legal and financial support for repatriation.
After Son’s Death and Wife’s ICE Arrest, Father of Four Opts to Return to Mexico
Rigo Mendoza's son Kevin (right) with his siblings. - Rigo Mendoza
Rigo Mendoza tearfully recalls the last conversation he had with his 15-year-old son, Kevin, in early January. Kevin — who was diagnosed with cancer in November — repeatedly told his father he feared for his safety after Mendoza’s wife, Arlith Martínez, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Jan. 3.
Rigo Mendoza - WBOC
Timeline and Family Background
Mendoza and Martínez, undocumented immigrants from Mexico, have lived in the United States for more than 20 years and raised four children, all U.S. citizens. Martínez was arrested while on her way to work in Maryland and was initially held in a temporary facility in the state before being transferred to a detention center in New Jersey.
Rigo Mendoza's son Kevin (left) with his siblings. - Rigo Mendoza
Kevin’s Illness and Final Days
Kevin first reported knee pain in November and was later diagnosed with cancer at a Baltimore hospital. Mendoza left his job to care for his son while Martínez continued working to support the family. Mendoza says doctors had described the treatment as a battle they could win, but the family never learned the full medical details because hospital staff cited privacy.
Rigo Mendoza's wife, Arlith Martínez (center), with two of their children. - Rigo Mendoza
Mendoza says Kevin became worse the night after his mother’s arrest, learning about it through social media. He was admitted to a local hospital on Jan. 4; doctors attempted an emergency helicopter transfer but were unable to fly due to Kevin’s condition. Kevin died on Jan. 5.
Detention, Legal Efforts and Funeral
Mendoza says his lawyers asked federal authorities to let Martínez attend her son’s funeral. Mendoza says the family was offered only a two-hour release for the funeral; they postponed the service until the end of January. ICE told CNN Martínez had prior deportations and was awaiting further proceedings. She was released on Jan. 29 after posting $12,000 bond and was fitted with an electronic monitoring device.
Martínez’s attorneys filed a habeas corpus petition and say a deportation hearing and case transfer from New Jersey to Maryland are pending. The lawyers are also seeking placement on a “no detention” list while proceedings continue.
Decision To Return and Support
Following his son’s death and his wife’s detention, Mendoza says the couple decided to stop contesting their immigration status and return to Mexico with their three surviving children and Kevin’s remains. The Mexican Embassy in Washington told CNN it is providing legal assistance to Martínez and financial help to Mendoza for voluntary repatriation and transfer of Kevin’s remains. Mendoza also reports receiving support from his local school district, friends and family.
“I dreamed of returning to my country, but not like this,” Mendoza said. He added that his immediate focus is supporting his three children and helping them cope with the loss of their brother.
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