Story perspectives
Father Faces Deportation as Son Fights Life-Threatening Illness
10/13/2025
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Story summary
- Jair Merida, a 5-year-old in Northeast Philadelphia, faces brain cancer, autism, and a severe eating disorder.
- Johny Merida Aguilar, Jair's father, faces deportation to Bolivia after his September arrest by ICE.
- Since his detention, Jair has struggled to maintain nutrition.
- ICE denied Merida Aguilar's request to stay in the U.S. for his son's care, citing enforcement priorities, risking Jair's life.
