Kidney donor Jose Gregorio Gonzalez detained by ICE in Chicago area, hopes to save brother Jose Alfredo Pacheco; release pending
Share and Follow

BERWYN, Ill. (WLS) — ABC7 has learned a man who was detained by ICE in the Chicago area before a life-saving kidney transplant is likely going to be released.

Jose Gregorio Gonzalez was detained in Berwyn last month as he was preparing to give his kidney to his brother. Now those plans could be moving forward again.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

ABC7 was told the man in ICE custody is currently in a west-central Indiana jail, but he could be released as early as Friday in order to be an organ donor.

The group The Resurrection Project has been representing Gonzalez since his detainment last month.

The group said his brother, Jose Alfredo Pacheco, has end-stage kidney failure and needs a kidney transplant.

Supporters said a year ago, that detained brother sought asylum in the United States from Venezuela with the goal of donating his kidney and was allowed, up until last month, to care for his brother in Cicero, while under an order of supervision, which required him to wear an ankle monitor.

It still hasn’t been determined whether Gonzalez is an organ donor match, but the Resurrection Project said even if he isn’t, he can still donate to another patient and secure a transplant for his brother through a paired kidney exchange.

“This is literally a matter of one, of brotherly love, of someone trying to save his brother’s life, and so I think it’s fair that he be given the opportunity to do that,” said Peter Meinecke, Senior Staff Attorney at The Resurrection Project.

“His primary goal isn’t to stay permanently in the United States, but to be able to follow through with the organ transplant,” said Tovia Siegel, Director of Organizing and Leadership at The Resurrection Project.

The Resurrection Project said its been told by an ICE official that Gonzalez could be transferred from Indiana to the Chicago ICE field office as early as Friday and released under conditions.

Messages left for an ICE spokesperson by ABC7 were not returned.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Nicola Peltz pays tribute to late Bridget Bardot after Beckham 'dig'

Nicola Peltz Honors the Legacy of Bridget Bardot Following Beckham Comment

Nicola Peltz made her return to social media on Monday, following a…
Southern Command takes out another vessel

US Military Executes Precision Strike on Narco-Terrorists in Eastern Pacific: Vessel Neutralized

In a strategic operation on December 29, the U.S. Southern Command’s Joint…
Anthony Joshua 'is stable', officials confirm after Nigeria crash

Boxing Champion Anthony Joshua Confirmed Stable Following Nigeria Car Accident, Officials Say

Nigerian authorities have reported that champion boxer Anthony Joshua is in stable…
Bruce Blakeman is right about ‘toxic’ battery farms — and the 'need' is purely Gov. Hochul's fault

Bruce Blakeman Criticizes Gov. Hochul’s Role in ‘Toxic’ Battery Farm Controversy: A Call for Sustainable Solutions

Bruce Blakeman, a Republican contender for governor, has taken a strong stance…
Chicago Public Schools Board approves property tax hike to close budget gap

Chicago Public Schools Boosts Property Taxes: A Critical Move to Bridge Budget Deficit

In a recent decision by Chicago’s partially elected and partially appointed school…
US strikes 'terrorist boat' lurking in international waters

U.S. Targets Suspected Terrorist Vessel Operating in International Waters

The U.S. military has once again targeted a narco-terrorism vessel in international…
Flu season 2025: Subclade K variant known as 'Super K' showing fast flu symptoms amid holiday gatherings

Prepare for Flu Season 2025: ‘Super K’ Variant Sparks Rapid Symptom Spread During Holidays

Health officials are raising alarms as this flu season intensifies, with conditions…
Cellphone data defined 2025’s biggest criminal cases as expert calls them a 'crime scene in their pocket'

Expert Declares Cellphone Data as Key to Solving 2025’s Major Criminal Cases

In the pockets of countless Americans, a small device has become an…