Morristown Student Stricken With Cerebral Palsy Faces Deportation

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MORRISTOWN, NJ — The Morristown community is rallying to help a local family facing legal challenges with regard to their immigration status.

In 2023, Maria González Medina and her family came to the United States from Ecuador to seek medical care for Diego, her nine-year-old son who lives with cerebral palsy. According to advocates, his condition affects his mobility, speech, and daily comfort.

“(Diego) lives with a foot that turns inward, limited mobility in his arms, and limited control over his mouth, leaving him unable to speak or manage saliva independently,” said Diego’s former teacher, Cathleen Murphy. “Despite these challenges, Diego is incredibly resilient—he communicates effectively using a specialized device and brings joy and determination into every room he enters.”

Since coming to the United States, Diego has undergone four “life-changing surgeries that have significantly improved his quality of life.” He is scheduled to undergo another in May, which would dramatically enhance his ability to walk and use his hand, advocates say.

However, the González family is scheduled to appear at an in-person asylum appointment in Newark on April 23. Advocates say due to legal oversight by a trusted consulting service, their case is “critical.”

Their current legal counsel says there is a “high likelihood they will be detained and deported” following the appointment.

“Before coming to the U.S., Diego’s medical needs in Ecuador were severely neglected due to limited resources and access to specialized care. Returning him there would mean losing the critical medical support he needs to survive and thrive,” a fundraiser reads. “If detained, Diego’s health could rapidly decline. Immigration detention centers are not equipped to provide the specialized, consistent medical care that Diego requires. The consequences could be devastating.”

The González family has secured legal representation to fight the potential deportation, but does not have the money for the initial retainer fee and future attorney costs.

Proceeds gathered through a GoFundMe will go toward:

• Covering the initial legal retainer and ongoing monthly legal fees
• Securing Diego’s future through proper legal representation
• Supporting urgent medical expenses and ongoing care
• Assisting the González family with basic needs during this critical time

So far, the GoFundMe has raised more than $3,000 since launching.