In May, 21-year-old Samuel Gonzalez Terrones was diagnosed with depression and schizophrenia. These conditions prompted him to start therapy and medication, hoping to manage his frequent distress. Sometimes, his desperation led him to call the police for help.
A month later, immigration agents detained his mother, Minerva Terrones Dominguez. She was apprehended in San Bernardino while on her way to a grocery store. Minerva’s detainment for being in the country unlawfully had dire consequences for Samuel. As his family worked extra jobs to fund her legal defense, Samuel spent more time isolated at home. His mother had provided vital comfort during his struggles.
Sari Gonzalez, Samuel’s sister, said, “My mom was the one who would take care of him when he would have those bad thoughts.”
The family hired lawyer Arturo Burga to secure Minerva’s release using a legal pathway called cancellation of removal. This process aimed to show that her deportation would impose severe hardship on a U.S. citizen—Samuel. Unfortunately, they missed the chance to file this paperwork.
On the morning of August 12, police found Samuel dead at a railroad crossing in San Bernardino. He was 21. Before his death, Samuel wrote about his mother’s detention, feeling overwhelmed by “one last wall.”
Suicide prevention resources urge anyone struggling to call 988 or text “HOME” to 741741 for support. The reasons behind suicide are complex, and how immigration policies affect individuals remains unclear. However, reports have revealed similar tragedies.
For instance, a 20-year-old man from Haiti walked into traffic after the end of his Temporary Protected Status. At least ten detainees had died by suicide during the Trump administration, a troubling statistic.
Samuel’s family describes him as caring and cheerful, with ambitions of becoming a graphic designer. As a child, he enjoyed playing video games with his sister and working out with his younger brother. His struggles began in 2021 during high school, when he gradually lost interest in his hobbies.
Sari remembers, “He really did try to get better. He held on for a really long time.” On the day Minerva was detained, Samuel was inconsolable. Sari worked extra to support the legal fees and managed Sunday visits to the detention center.
“On the way to the facility, Samuel was visibly happy. But on the way home, all would be crying,” Sari recalled.
Their lawyer, Burga, informed ICE of Samuel’s death, seeking Minerva’s emergency release. The response, unlike usual, expressed condolences. This gesture highlighted the immense cost of compassion.
Two weeks later, Sari broke the devastating news to Minerva. “When I told her, they wouldn’t even let me hug her,” Sari said.
By August’s end, a federal judge ordered Minerva’s release, citing illegal detention. However, without Samuel, the legal case hinged on hardship for him no longer applied. Minerva is still facing deportation.
To provide for Samuel’s funeral, the family set up a fundraiser. On September 22, the family and friends gathered at Rialto Park Cemetery. Minerva bid farewell to her son, the “goofball” who deeply missed her presence.