Congresswoman Torres Demands Immediate Release of Jose Oleaz, A Pomona Father Detained by ICE

Congresswoman Torres Demands Immediate Release of Jose Oleaz, A Pomona Father Detained by ICE

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) is demanding the immediate release of Jose Oleaz, a Pomona resident and father to his 13-year-old nephew, after ICE detained him during a raid this week, leaving a child who has already suffered devastating loss without the father who has been raising him.

Jose Oleaz has lived in the United States for more than 20 years, works steadily, and poses no threat to public safety. Yet ICE detained him anyway, despite knowing he is the primary parent to a minor child.

"This is wrong, we cannot keep letting ICE terrorize our communities," said Congresswoman Norma Torres. "ICE detained an innocent father and ripped him away from a 13-year-old child who depends on him for safety, stability, and love. This child has already endured unimaginable loss, and now the government is inflicting even more trauma. ICE should be focused on finding and removing people who pose real threats to public safety, not targeting hardworking fathers who are doing everything right, working day and night to care for their families and keep their children safe."

Bryan Gonzalez, lost his aunt two years ago. After that tragedy, Oleaz stepped in as Bryan's father, raising him.

ICE detained Oleaz on Wednesday during a raid in Pomona, ignoring the predictable harm this action would cause to a child who has already endured trauma. Oleaz is the family's primary breadwinner and also cares for his father, who is battling cancer. He has worked for years at the same landscaping company and is described by family members, educators, and community leaders as responsible, hardworking, and deeply devoted to his family.

"ICE has full discretion to release fathers like Jose Oleaz," Torres continued. "There is no justification for detaining an innocent man and traumatizing a child. Mr. Oleaz must be released immediately and reunited with his family. Children should never be collateral damage. Bryan deserves his father, and Jose Oleaz deserves to be home."

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