Salisbury, Maryland, January 12, 2026
In a heartbreaking series of events, 15-year-old Kevin Martinez passed away from cancer just two days after his mother, Arlit Maria Martinez, was detained by ICE in Salisbury, Maryland. The family is now facing the dual tragedy of losing a son and being separated from a mother in custody. Despite pleas for Arlit’s release to attend her son’s funeral, requests have been denied, highlighting the emotional toll of immigration enforcement on families.
Maryland Teen Dies of Cancer Days After Mother’s Arrest by ICE
Salisbury, Maryland – A tragic sequence of events unfolded in Salisbury, Maryland, when 15-year-old Kevin Martinez succumbed to cancer just days after his mother, Arlit Maria Martinez, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The family is now grappling with the loss of a son and the ongoing separation from a mother in custody.
Details of the Incident
On a Saturday morning, 41-year-old Arlit Maria Martinez was detained by ICE agents while en route to her workplace. The family believes she was transported to an ICE facility in Baltimore. Two days later, Kevin Martinez passed away from cancer, just shy of his 16th birthday. Despite the family’s efforts, Arlit was not granted permission to attend her son’s funeral or say her final goodbyes. Her husband, Rigo Mendoza-Lopez, expressed the family’s distress over the situation, stating that they tried to have her released but were unsuccessful. As of Wednesday, Arlit remained in ICE custody.
Family’s Plea and Legal Actions
The Martinez family has appealed to federal authorities for Arlit’s release, aiming to allow her to mourn her son’s death and participate in funeral arrangements. These requests have reportedly been denied, despite interventions from attorneys and medical professionals. The family is now preparing to return to Mexico to bury Kevin, as they had planned to relocate there before his cancer diagnosis four months ago.
Background Information
Arlit Maria Martinez, a mother of four, had been residing in the United States for an extended period. In 2015, she received a traffic citation for driving without a license in Maryland. No other criminal records were found in the state. ICE has not provided information regarding any additional charges against her. The family’s situation highlights the complex intersection of immigration enforcement and personal tragedy, raising questions about the policies governing such detentions and their impact on families.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened to Kevin Martinez?
Kevin Martinez, a 15-year-old from Salisbury, Maryland, died from cancer just two days after his mother, Arlit Maria Martinez, was detained by ICE agents. He passed away just before his 16th birthday.
Why was Arlit Maria Martinez detained by ICE?
Arlit Maria Martinez was detained by ICE agents while on her way to work. The family believes she was taken to an ICE facility in Baltimore. Specific details regarding the reasons for her detention have not been publicly disclosed.
Was Arlit Maria Martinez allowed to attend her son’s funeral?
Despite the family’s requests, Arlit was not granted permission to attend her son’s funeral or say her final goodbyes. As of Wednesday, she remained in ICE custody.
What is the family’s current situation?
The Martinez family is preparing to return to Mexico to bury Kevin. They had planned to relocate there before his cancer diagnosis four months ago. The family is also seeking legal avenues to have Arlit released from custody to mourn her son’s death.
What is the background of Arlit Maria Martinez?
Arlit Maria Martinez, a mother of four, had been residing in the United States for an extended period. In 2015, she received a traffic citation for driving without a license in Maryland. No other criminal records were found in the state. ICE has not provided information regarding any additional charges against her.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Salisbury, Maryland |
| Individuals Involved | Kevin Martinez (15-year-old son), Arlit Maria Martinez (mother), Rigo Mendoza-Lopez (father) |
| Event Timeline | Arlit Maria Martinez detained by ICE agents on Saturday; Kevin Martinez dies from cancer two days later. |
| Family’s Request | Seeking Arlit’s release to attend son’s funeral; requests denied. |
| Legal Background | Arlit received a traffic citation in 2015; no other criminal records found; ICE has not disclosed additional charges. |
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