In a widely shared video, the Elmontean, who was detained by immigration officers along with her mother, is the first to speak out about his hopes for freedom to continue supporting her sister as she fights cancer.
Jonathan Tejeda-Perez spoke to NBC4 from the detention center via video call. He was arrested by immigrants outside his El Monte home on February 24th, in connection with him already serving time about ten years ago.
“I’ve been in good condition for seven years now. I’ve done everything right,” Tejeda Perez said. “I’m away from trouble. I don’t even have a speeding ticket. I’m doing everything the right way and for them to show up – that was a shock to me.”
The undocumented man is the main earner of his family as his mother tends to be ailing sister, Xitlali, fighting bone cancer. Their mother, Yolanda, was also taken into custody by immigration officers on the same day as Jonathan, but she was released from custody to continue caring for her daughter.
“They need me more than ever,” Jonathan said. “They depend on me.”
He is fighting to stay in the country to continue offering for his family throughout these troublesome times. Additionally, he also wants to remain in the United States out of fear of his safety.
The judge approved the bond Tuesday for El Monte’s mother, who cared for her cancer daughter after being taken to immigrant custody last month. Mekahlo Medina is reporting NBC4 News’ report on Tuesday, March 11th, 2025 at 4pm.
As a member of the LGBTQ community, Jonathan said he is worried about what will happen to him if he is deported to Mexico, where hundreds of LGBTQ people have been killed. 453 members of the community were killed between 2018 and 2022, according to LGBTQ advocacy group Letra Ese.
“I don’t know how they react or how people treat people like me. Of course, that’s a safety issue over there,” he said.
“If he goes there, something bad can happen and we don’t want it to happen to him,” said Jonathan’s fiance Christian Zimenez.
The family is now represented by lawyer David Acarin. Jonathan’s next hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
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