California Ice Cream Seller Facing Deportation After 30 Years Gets $30K From Heartbroken Community
CALIFORNIA – A beloved ice cream seller who spent three decades serving his California neighborhood is being deported, and the news has left his community heartbroken. Residents quickly rallied behind him, raising more than $30,000 in donations to help his family start over in Mexico.
Three Decades of Service, Then Deportation
The man, known as Francisco, first faced immigration issues in 2017 when he was detained for seven months in a federal facility. Despite years of appeals in multiple courts, a judge ultimately issued a removal order, giving him 30 days to appeal. Instead, Francisco decided it was time to leave what he called a “beautiful country.”
@aracely_in_stem UPDATE: GoFundMe will be posted soon, Cashapp is stopping transactions from going through. Venmo is still working, thank you so so much. I can’t even begin to comprehend the overwhelming outpouring of support and love via kind words, offers of help, and donations, which I would have never imagined. God bless ❤️❤️❤️ Original caption: My dad asked me to make this video for his San Diego community due to the sheer amount of people that he came to know as a paletero. My mom, who is also being deported, will be giving her own goodbyes to her community in-person. To anyone who ever bought ice cream from my dad, gave him words of encouragement or just said hello, to those who became his friends, his family, su gente y su pueblo: thank you. God bless 🙏🏽❤️ #DiosPrimero #paletero #immigrantparents #echandoleganassiempre #daygo
After 30 years in the U.S., Francisco will not only be leaving behind his community but also his two daughters — one a student at Stanford University and the other at Harvey Mudd College.
GoFundMe Surpasses $30K
Francisco’s daughter launched a GoFundMe campaign with an initial goal of $17,500 to help her parents transition back to Mexico. Supporters quickly surpassed that amount, donating over $30,000 in just days.
In an emotional video, Francisco thanked the community for their overwhelming generosity, appearing tearful as he expressed gratitude.
Outrage and Sympathy From the Public
The story has sparked national attention, with many criticizing the deportation order:
- “This country has failed him. I’m so sorry,” one supporter wrote.
- Another added, “THIS is who they want gone?? A hardworking dad simply selling ice cream and wanting better for his kids – this will NEVER make sense to me.”
- Others praised Francisco for achieving his dream: raising daughters who are thriving in top U.S. universities.
Offers of Support Beyond Money
Not everyone could contribute financially, but many offered to help Francisco once he arrives in Mexico. One woman even volunteered to connect him with local resources in Tijuana, proving that community support goes beyond dollars.
A Painful Goodbye
While Francisco prepares for his departure, residents continue to share messages of love, prayers, and frustration. Many called his deportation unfair for someone who worked tirelessly, committed no violent crimes, and gave back to the community.
Do you think America’s immigration system is failing families like Francisco’s, or is this simply the law being enforced? Share your opinion now on FatCityFeed.com.
