FEATURE: ICE, CBP help Mexican boy get life-saving surgery
Left: Jose Antonio Ramirez-Serrano walks to a medical appointment with Pastor Kristean Alcocer. Right: Jose Antonio poses for a picture in the mountains.
Every day, children around the world enjoy playing, running, singing and dancing. But for an 11-year-old Juarez boy, these somewhat simple acts were not so simple because he had a watermelon-sized tumor around his neck. This not only limited his activities, but also threatened his life.
Jose Antonio Ramirez-Serrano underwent an 11-hour surgery Nov. 18 at the University of New Mexico Children’s Hospital thanks in part to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Both agencies facilitated his legal entry into the country.
Upon learning of Jose Antonio’s condition in 2012, staff at the HSI Albuquerque Assistant Special Agent in Charge Office began facilitating the humanitarian parole needed for both Jose and his parents to lawfully enter the United States. Since then, they’ve closely monitored his case and status to ensure he received the necessary medical treatment for his condition.
“As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we’re thankful that we were able to play a role in this young boy’s life,” said HSI Executive Associate Director Peter Edge. “When it comes to children having a chance at life, there should be no obstacles or barriers. I commend the ICE and CBP employees who together have helped this family in need.”
Jose Antonio will need additional surgeries and treatment, but the first surgery was a success. He remains hospitalized in stable condition.
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