Argenis Longoria-Lara: Burglar Freed To Donate Kidney To Sick Sister

Argenis Longoria-Lara has received a six-month “stay of removal” from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) so he can donate his kidney to his younger sister, potentially saving her life. The 27-year-old man has been serving a prison sentence for burglary, and a judge recently ordered his deportation to Mexico.

According to the Daily Mail, Longoria-Lara had his status as a permanent resident taken away due to the burglary conviction against him one and a half years ago. At first he was sent to county prison, and later to ICE custody. Argenis would soon be on his way to Mexico if it were not for the emotional pleas of his younger sister Jazmine.

Jazmine Longoria-Lara, who is a U.S. citizen, has suffered from a rare kidney disease called MPGN for the past 10 years. She received a kidney transplant from her mother, but in 2011, she became pregnant and the kidney failed.

Jazmine ended up losing the baby, and she’s had to make frequent trips to the hospital and must go to dialysis about three times a week ever since.

Argenis is her last chance at a healthy life according to Jazmine because he is a perfect match.

With supporters rallying around a statue of the Virgin Mary outside, she made a plea in court for a stay of removal on April 30.

She explained at the time, “Is there time for me? I don’t know. I can die any day.”

When the judge granted the request on Thursday, Argenis and his sister were overwhelmed.

He explained, “I mean, I didn’t expect it.”

“I was really hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. It’s the greatest news I’ve heard in a long time.”

ABC News reports that Jazmine was in tears when she saw her brother freed and gave him a hug.

“I was like, ‘Oh, my God, is that him? Is that really him?’ It is him. Pinch me! I think I’m dreaming.”

Argenis Longoria’s daughter and son were also present when their father was released.

Authorities will monitor Argenis electronically while he undergoes more testing for the upcoming surgery. The two siblings are scheduled to meet with doctors at Loyola University Medical Center on Friday for consultations. They have not set a date for the procedure yet.

What will happen after Argenis’ surgery?

Fox New Latino reported on a statement released by ICE saying, “After this stay of removal expires, ICE will review Mr. Longoria-Lara’s case to determine what further action is required.”

[Image Credit: Getty Images]