Key Takeaways
• Sergio Cerdio Gomez was detained by ICE on April 24, 2025, and deported to Mexico on June 16.
• An I-130 petition did not prevent his deportation; a 20-year re-entry ban was imposed by an immigration judge.
• Local community protests and legal aid efforts highlight the emotional and financial impacts on families in Pasco.
On April 24, 2025, Sergio Cerdio Gomez, a 42-year-old father and business owner from Pasco, was arrested by ICE during a routine immigration interview in Yakima, Washington. After nearly two months in detention, he was deported to Chiapas, Mexico, on June 16, leaving behind his wife, three children, and a family-run food truck business. His case has sparked protests, highlighted the emotional and financial struggles of families affected by ICE actions, and raised questions about the fairness of current immigration enforcement.
Family Torn Apart by Deportation
Sergio Cerdio Gomez’s sudden arrest and deportation have deeply affected his family. Married to Gabrielle “Gabby” Cerdio since 2022, Sergio is the father of three children. Together, the family operates Hibachi Explosion, a food truck in Kennewick, Washington. With Sergio gone, Gabby now faces the challenge of running the business alone while caring for their children. She describes the experience as “devastating,” saying, “We’re trying to keep going, but it’s hard without him. The kids miss their dad every day.”
The family had been working to secure Sergio’s legal status through an I-130 petition, which is a form that allows U.S. citizens or legal residents to help family members get legal immigration status. They filed this petition in 2023, hoping it would protect Sergio from deportation. However, the process did not stop ICE from detaining and removing him. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, filing an I-130 petition does not guarantee protection from deportation, especially if there are past legal issues or if the case is still pending.
Legal Hurdles and Missed Opportunities
Sergio’s legal journey was complicated by a prior misdemeanor, which the family says had been expunged—meaning it was removed from his record. However, their attorney reportedly failed to provide proof of this expungement during Sergio’s hearing. As a result, the immigration judge denied his request to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 and imposed a 20-year bar on re-entry. This means Sergio cannot legally return to the United States 🇺🇸 for two decades, making family reunification nearly impossible in the near future.
Gabby believes that better legal representation could have changed the outcome. “We did everything we were told to do, but it wasn’t enough,” she says. Many families in similar situations struggle to find affordable, effective legal help. Immigration attorneys in Pasco, such as those at Roach & Bishop Law, stress the importance of having all documents ready and knowing your rights, especially when facing ICE actions.
Community Rallies in Support
Sergio’s deportation did not go unnoticed. The local community in Pasco and the Tri-Cities area organized protests and support events. One of the most visible actions was the “No Kings” protest, which drew thousands of people. Supporters also held “eat-ins” at the family’s food truck, both to raise awareness and to help the family financially.
Community members say these actions are about more than just one family. “We’re standing up for all families who are being torn apart,” said a local organizer. The protests reflect growing concern over aggressive ICE enforcement and the impact on families who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for years, often contributing to their communities and local economies.
Other Families Face Similar Struggles
Sergio’s case is not unique. In February 2025, Alejandra Guzman-Mercado’s father was arrested by ICE near their Pasco home, even though he had no violent or felony record. Alejandra, a U.S. citizen and college student, has taken on extra responsibilities to support her family. She describes the emotional toll as overwhelming: “It’s hard to focus on school when you’re worried about your family being separated.”
These stories are becoming more common as ICE steps up enforcement. Families often face sudden separation, with little warning or time to prepare. The emotional and financial costs can be severe, especially for children who lose a parent overnight.
ICE Enforcement Rises Under Current Administration
Since the start of President Trump’s second term, ICE has increased its efforts to arrest and deport undocumented immigrants. In the first 100 days of 2025, ICE arrested 66,463 people and deported 65,682, according to official statistics. About 75% of those arrested had criminal records, including serious offenses like assault and murder. However, ICE also targets people with minor or expunged offenses, which has led to criticism from immigrant rights groups.
Washington State, home to an estimated 325,000 undocumented immigrants, has seen a rise in ICE raids and arrests. The Tri-Cities area, including Pasco, has a large immigrant community. Many residents now live in fear, unsure if they or their loved ones could be next.
Local Government Policies and Community Education
The City of Pasco has tried to support its immigrant residents by limiting cooperation with ICE. Since January 2025, city staff do not ask about immigration status when providing services. The Pasco Police Department does not enforce federal immigration laws or work with ICE unless there is an active criminal investigation. However, once someone is arrested and booked into the Franklin County jail, the sheriff’s office decides whether to cooperate with ICE.
Local organizations have stepped up to help. The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) held free events in early 2025 to teach people about their legal rights, how to prepare documents, and options like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). These events aim to give families the tools they need to protect themselves and understand what to do if ICE comes to their door.
Legal Rights and the Importance of Preparedness
ICE agents must have a judicial warrant to enter homes, cars, or workplaces without permission. However, there have been reports of arrests without proper warrants, raising concerns about civil rights. Immigration attorneys advise families to know their rights, such as the right to remain silent and the right to ask for a lawyer.
Filing an I-130 petition, as Sergio Cerdio Gomez’s family did, is a common way for families to try to gain legal status. The I-130 form can be found on the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. However, as Sergio’s case shows, this process does not stop ICE from making arrests or starting deportation proceedings. Deportees like Sergio often face long re-entry bars, which can last 10, 20, or even more years, making it very hard for families to reunite.
Expert Opinions and Stakeholder Perspectives
Acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons has defended the agency’s actions, saying they are needed to protect public safety. He points to the removal of people with criminal records as a key goal. However, local advocates and legal experts argue that the current approach is too broad and harms families who pose no threat.
Immigration attorneys warn that aggressive enforcement and poor legal representation can lead to unfair deportations. They encourage families to seek help from qualified lawyers and to attend community education events. “Knowing your rights can make a big difference,” says a local attorney from Roach & Bishop Law.
Practical Implications for Families
The fallout from ICE arrests and deportations is severe:
- Emotional Trauma: Families, especially children, suffer from the sudden loss of a parent or loved one.
- Financial Hardship: Many families lose their main source of income, making it hard to pay bills or keep businesses running.
- Community Disruption: Families who have lived in the area for years are forced to leave or live in fear, weakening community ties.
Legal processes are often slow and confusing, with no guarantee of protection even when families follow all the rules. Community support and legal education are critical for helping families cope and plan for the future.
What Families Can Do
- Know Your Rights: Learn what to do if ICE comes to your home or workplace. Do not open the door unless they show a judicial warrant.
- Prepare Documents: Keep important papers, such as birth certificates and legal forms, in a safe place.
- Seek Legal Help: Contact a qualified immigration attorney as soon as possible if you or a loved one is at risk.
- Attend Community Events: Take part in legal clinics and information sessions to stay informed.
For more information about your rights and ICE procedures, visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official website.
Community Resources and Support
Several organizations and offices in Pasco and the Tri-Cities area offer help:
- Pasco City Manager’s Office: (509) 545-3404
- Pasco Police Department: (509) 545-3481
- Roach & Bishop Law: 9221 Sandifur Pkwy, Suite C, Pasco, WA 99301; Phone: (509) 547-7587; Email: [email protected]
- ICE Tip Line: 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423)
Community groups like LULAC continue to hold events and provide resources for families affected by ICE actions.
Looking Ahead: Policy and Community Action
As of July 2025, there have been no major changes in federal immigration policy. ICE enforcement remains strong under President Trump’s administration. Local protests, legal clinics, and advocacy efforts are expected to continue in Pasco and the Tri-Cities area.
Families like that of Sergio Cerdio Gomez face an uncertain future. Many hope for policy changes that would allow for more humane treatment and better protection for families. In the meantime, community support and legal education remain the best tools for those at risk.
Conclusion: A Community in Crisis, Searching for Solutions
The story of Sergio Cerdio Gomez and his family shows the real-life impact of current immigration enforcement. While ICE says it is protecting public safety, families and advocates argue that the cost is too high. The community response in Pasco highlights both the challenges and the resilience of those affected.
For families facing similar situations, the most important steps are to stay informed, seek legal help, and connect with community resources. As reported by VisaVerge.com, understanding your rights and options can make a difference, but the system remains difficult for many. The hope is that continued advocacy and support will lead to fairer policies and stronger protections for families in the future.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency responsible for enforcement of immigration laws and deportations.
I-130 Petition → A form filed by U.S. citizens or residents to help relatives gain legal immigration status.
Deportation → The formal removal of a non-citizen from a country by legal authority.
Expungement → Legal process that removes a criminal record from public view, eliminating its consequences.
Re-entry Ban → A legal restriction preventing a deported person from returning to the U.S. for a set time.
This Article in a Nutshell
Sergio Cerdio Gomez’s arrest by ICE devastated his Pasco family and food truck business. Despite legal petitions, deportation proceeded, sparking community protests and raising urgent questions about U.S. immigration enforcement’s fairness and impact on immigrant families striving for stability and reunification.
— By VisaVerge.com
