A 27-year-old man given a temporary reprieve from deportation so he can donate a kidney to his ailing sister could still be sent back to Mexico once the procedure is completed.
Argenis Longoria was released from the McHenry County Jail on Thursday afternoon and reunited with his 21-year-old sister, Jazmin Longoria-Lara, who has had to undergo dialysis for several hours, three times a week.
"I think it was real nice of them to consider it in letting me out to do this deed for my sister. I really appreciate it," Longoria said. "I didn't expect it. I really was, like, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst."
Longoria was set to be deported after pleading guilty to a burglary but Immigration and Customs Enforcement decided to allow him to remain in the United States for the potentially life-saving procedure.
Attorney Matthew Katz would not comment specifically on the criminal case or the deportation proceedings but said these types of humanitarian releases typically last for six months.
"Way too often laws are very minimally forgiven for individuals in this circumstance, and thankfully we've seen that the government did show some heart and did show some compassion," he said.
Sen. Dick Durbin and Rep. Luis Gutierrez both lobbied ICE to delay Longoria's deportation. Those representing Longoria made it clear they'll continue their fight to permanently keep him in the United States.
"He has paid his restitution to this society. He deserves a second chance," said Julie Contreras with the League of United Latin American Citizens.
No date has been set for the kidney transplant but the two siblings were scheduled to meet with doctors at Loyola University Medical Center on Friday.
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"It's unexplainable. It's amazing the way that I feel," Longoria-Lara said.
