Life-Saving Kidney Transplant Surgery Successful for Venezuelan Brothers
CHICAGO, IL – August 14, 2025 – The Resurrection Project is proud to announce that José Gregorio González successfully donated his kidney to his brother, José Alfredo Pacheco, in a surgery completed today at a Chicago-area hospital. The transplant represents both a medical triumph and a victory for community organizing after José Gregorio's ICE detention on March 3, 2025 threatened to prevent the life-saving procedure.
"Today we are thankful for a successful surgery and the the triumph of family, love, and community," said Erendira Rendón, vice president of Immigrant Justice at The Resurrection Project. "José Gregorio came to this country to save his brother's life. These brothers represent the generosity and courage we see in so many immigrants who are being wrongfully demonized today."
The rapid-response campaign coordinated by TRP's Immigrant Justice team involved deep engagement across our communications, organizing, and legal advocacy as we mobilized on an exceptionally tight timeline to fight against the odds and help José Gregorio save his brother’s life. The effort included over 1,700 petition signatures, advocacy from federal and local elected officials, and sustained national media attention.
"This victory shows us what's possible when communities organize together," said Tovia Siegel, Director of Organizing and Leadership for Immigrant Justice at The Resurrection Project. "José Gregorio's story is remarkable, but it shouldn't be extraordinary – people shouldn't have to mobilize an entire movement just to save a family member's life. The fact that this feels like such an incredible victory speaks to how cruel our immigration system has become and how urgent the work is now to push back against dangerous new policies and protect the rights of all people.”
To donate to the brothers' ongoing medical support fund, visit the brothers GoFundMe, organized by Cicero Community Care Response:
