A Texas Teen's Fight to Save His Sister and Reunite His Deported Family

Every two weeks, an 18-year-old in Texas purchases life-saving medication for his 11-year-old sister and sends it to Mexico. He has been doing this for six months, ever since immigration authorities removed his five siblings from the United States. Four of them are U.S. citizens, including his sister, who is recovering from a rare brain tumor. They were all sent to Mexico after their parents, who lacked legal status, were deported.

The absence of his family has weighed heavily on him. He was left alone in the United States. His once lively home, where family and friends gathered for celebrations, now feels empty. He is overcome by a deep sense of loneliness.

He works two jobs, one at a fast-food restaurant during the day and another at a gas station at night. He works so many hours that he barely has time to eat. His family's deportation has forced him to become their lifeline. The memories of his sister's seizures and hospital visits motivate him to keep going.

His sister cannot access the necessary medication in Mexico because her specialist doctors are in the U.S. The medication is expensive, and insurance doesn't cover it.

The family was driving to Houston for a medical checkup when they stopped at an immigration checkpoint. Authorities arrested the parents, and the entire family was sent to Mexico the following day. The girl's health has not improved since being in Mexico. She experiences worsening headaches, dizziness, and difficulties with speech, mobility, and memory. She requires regular check-ups, MRI scans, therapy, and medication to prevent seizures, but she has not been able to consistently access this care since the family was deported.

The family applied for humanitarian parole with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in June but has not received a response.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security stated that reports of the family's situation are "inaccurate" and declined to comment further, citing privacy reasons.

The lead pastor at the family's church believes allowing the family to return so the girl can receive treatment with the support of her family "seems like a no-brainer."

The 18-year-old had to take on bills and maintain the house. He considered dropping out of school to work full-time but decided to stay in school. He spent his 18th birthday and high school graduation without his family. He had planned to apply to colleges to become a neurosurgeon, inspired by the doctor who saved his sister's life. He has put those plans on hold.