At a Glance
- 73-year-old gardener Alberto Cabral was detained by federal agents while working in West Hollywood last week.
- Cabral, undocumented since arriving at age 12, chose to self-deport to Mexico after 60+ years in the U.S.
- Family says he has no criminal history and was the sole provider for his household.
- Why it matters: The case highlights concerns about medical care access for elderly detainees and the impact on long-established families.
A 73-year-old West Hollywood gardener who has lived in the United States for more than six decades is now in Mexico after choosing to self-deport following detention by federal immigration agents.
Alberto Cabral, an undocumented immigrant who arrived in the U.S. at age 12, was servicing a home when agents detained him in front of his customer last week, according to News Of Losangeles‘s investigation.
Detention in West Hollywood
The incident unfolded as Cabral worked at a residence, leaving behind his tools and truck when agents approached him.
“He was taken, his tools were left behind, his weed-eater was left just as they dropped it when they approached him. His truck was left behind,” said Ruby, the homeowner who witnessed the detention.
Ruby described watching the scene unfold as Cabral pleaded with the agents.
“We kind of saw the whole thing unfold,” Ruby said. “Alberto pleaded to them, like ‘I’m injured, I’m older, please just don’t further hurt me.'”
The homeowner delivered the devastating news to Cabral’s partner, Gloria Blanco, along with his truck and tools.
“She was obviously very upset and when she got the truck, it was obviously very real that he wasn’t going to come back home in the truck that day,” Ruby said.
Family Life and Medical Concerns
Cabral’s family emphasizes that despite his undocumented status, he has no criminal history and has been a productive member of the community for over 60 years.
“He’s a great man. A hardworking,” said Blanco, Cabral’s partner of 33 years. “It’s really hard.”
Family and neighbors describe Cabral as someone who showed up for everyone, even when facing health challenges. Blanco says the 73-year-old broke his tailbone and continued working up until his detention.
After dealing with several medical issues, Cabral made the difficult decision to self-deport to Mexico rather than face potential detention without adequate medical care.
“He basically decided to auto-deport because he’s on medication for stroke, he’s a diabetic, he had an open wound,” Blanco explained. “He just figured he’d be in there for months and months with no medical care.”
Economic Impact on Family
Cabral served as the sole provider for his family, leaving his partner in a difficult financial situation.
Blanco visited her partner in Mexico to bring him his necessary medications but had to return to Los Angeles, where they maintain their apartment.
“I’m okay here, but I know he’s not okay,” Blanco said about the separation.
Community Response
The West Hollywood community has rallied around Cabral’s family following the detention.
Community members and neighbors have organized fundraising efforts to help support the family during this challenging time. The family is working with an immigration attorney to better understand their options moving forward.
Questions About Targeting
The circumstances surrounding why federal agents targeted Cabral remain unclear.
DHS and ICE didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on why Cabral was targeted in West Hollywood last week, more than 60 years after he arrived in America, according to News Of Losangeles‘s reporting.
Key Takeaways:
- Alberto Cabral, 73, lived in the U.S. for 60+ years after arriving at age 12
- He was detained while working as a gardener in West Hollywood
- Despite no criminal history, he chose self-deportation over potential detention
- His family faces financial hardship without their primary provider
- The case raises questions about immigration enforcement priorities for elderly, long-term residents
