By Trendsetter Tribune 
A Maryland mother of four, Arlit Maria Martinez, was arrested by ICE just days before her 15-year-old son died of cancer. Family members say she was denied the chance to say goodbye.
A Maryland mother of four was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) just days before her teenage son died of cancer, leaving her family devastated. Arlit Maria Martinez, 41, was detained on January 3 while on her way to work in Salisbury, Maryland. Her son, Kevin Martinez, passed away two days later at age 15, after a rapid decline following his mother’s arrest.
The family says Martinez was denied the chance to be at her son’s bedside in his final moments, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.
A Son Lost Too Soon
Kevin had been diagnosed with cancer four months ago, and his health deteriorated rapidly after his mother’s detention. Family members describe a heartbreaking sequence of events, including emergency hospitalization and an inability to access his usual medical care.
“Late that night, he had to be rushed to the ER, but he was too unstable to be transported to his regular doctors in Baltimore,” said Kevin’s brother, Ervin Martinez, on a GoFundMe page created to support the family.
Tragically, Kevin died the following morning, while his mother remained in ICE custody.
Mother’s Arrest and Detention
Arlit Maria Martinez, also known under the name Arlit Maria Martinez-Carrada, is currently being held at Delaney Hall detention facility in New Jersey, according to ICE’s online detainee database.
Family members insist she has no criminal record and no prior deportations. “She has always worked hard to support us,” Ervin Martinez wrote. “My dad has been unable to work because he is the primary caregiver for my brother Kevin, who has been battling cancer.”
Despite repeated calls to ICE, visits from attorneys, and outreach from doctors, Martinez has not been released to mourn her son.
Family Speaks Out
Martinez’s husband, Rigo Mendoza-Lopez, said the family is struggling to understand why she was detained. “We tried to take her out, but they would not let her come out to say goodbye for the last time to my son,” he told WBOC. “I don’t know why. She’s not a criminal.”
The family has received an outpouring of support, with more than $32,000 raised via GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs and medical expenses.
Broader Context — ICE Controversies
This case adds to ongoing national debates over ICE enforcement policies and the human impact of detentions, particularly for families facing medical crises. Advocates argue that incidents like these highlight the urgent need for humane enforcement practices and clearer procedures to allow family access during critical medical emergencies.
Conclusion — A Family in Mourning
The story of Arlit Maria Martinez and her son Kevin is a sobering reminder of the human cost of immigration enforcement policies. As the family grieves, public attention has intensified on ICE and its detention procedures, with many calling for reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.