Immigrant father of 5-year-old with brain cancer accepts deportation to Bolivia after months in ICE custody.

In a poignant and complex immigration case, Johny Merida Aguilara, a 48-year-old Bolivian immigrant, has made the difficult decision to accept deportation to his home country after nearly two decades in the United States. Merida Aguilara has been detained for almost five months, separated from his wife, Gimena Morales Antezana, and their three American-born children.

The family resides in Northeast Philadelphia, but Morales Antezana has opted to accompany her husband back to Bolivia, believing that the emotional toll of separation has become unbearable for their children. Their son, Jair, 5, is undergoing treatment for brain cancer at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The condition has raised concerns due to the limited healthcare capabilities in Bolivia, as indicated by warnings from the U.S. State Department regarding hospitals’ inability to manage severe health conditions.

Jair also requires specialized feeding due to his autism and severe eating disorder, relying on PediaSure nutrition delivered through a syringe. His father has historically acted as his primary caregiver, a role made increasingly difficult by the father’s detention following a traffic stop in September.

Since that arrest, the family’s emotional and financial stability has rapidly declined. Morales Antezana’s struggle to manage the household has worsened, compounded by the loss of Merida Aguilara’s income and the relentless emotional weight of their disrupted family life. Their two older children, Melany and Matias, have also faced challenges, with Melany expressing feelings of insecurity and Matias struggling with sadness over his father’s absence.

Community support has been strong, yet unsustainable as the family grapples with mounting living expenses. The couple initially sought to explore immigration relief options, including a T visa application for traction against deportation, but the lengthy application process has added to their challenges.

Merida Aguilara and his family hope to relocate before the new school year begins in February, aiming for stability as they transition to life in Bolivia. Morales Antezana expresses determination to ensure their children receive an education that will allow them to create a better future. She acknowledges the pain of leaving a community they have come to love, filled with supportive friends who have stood by them during this challenging journey.

As this family’s story unfolds, it encapsulates the myriad struggles faced by many immigrant families within the U.S. socio-political landscape, illuminating both the personal struggles and broader systemic issues surrounding immigration. The case highlights the need for viable paths to stability for immigrant families, whose contributions to society often go unrecognized amidst political debates.

Despite their departure, the family’s commitment to each other remains steadfast as they look ahead to a new chapter in Bolivia, underscoring the deep emotional connections that persist even in the face of daunting challenges.