Chesterfield Man Stranded in Mexico Over Green Card Dispute
TL;DR: A Chesterfield man, a DACA recipient since 2013, has been stranded in Mexico for more than nine months after being flagged during a green card interview for a criminal record his family contends belongs to someone else.
Quick facts
- Who: Luis Gonzalez, Chesterfield resident and DACA recipient; his wife Amber Wolfe Gonzalez
- What: Green card visa application denied after consulate interview flagged him for drug trafficking arrests he and his family say do not belong to him
- When: Stranded since October 2025; flagged and placed in administrative processing in December 2025; more than nine months total
- Where: Chesterfield, Virginia; Ciudad Juarez, Mexico (consulate location)
The story
Luis Gonzalez, a Chesterfield resident and DACA recipient since 2013, traveled to Ciudad Juarez, Mexico in October 2025 for what was meant to be the final step in a green card application process the family initiated in 2020. During his visa interview at the consulate, Gonzalez was flagged for two arrests: one in Chesterfield County and one in Maricopa County, Arizona, both allegedly involving trafficking of controlled substances.
Gonzalez and his family contend the records belong to someone sharing his name and do not pertain to him. His wife, Amber Wolfe Gonzalez, stated: "Luis does not have criminal record or a single arrest in his life, much less anything related to drugs." To challenge the flagging, Gonzalez submitted a 25-page packet to the consulate and obtained approximately 12 to 13 supporting documents, including an FBI background check, all of which he says confirm no criminal history.
In December 2025, the case was placed in administrative processing, a step that typically precedes a visa denial or approval. The visa application was subsequently denied. Gonzalez is now disputing the denial through the State Department's LegalNet process while remaining in Mexico. He has been stranded there for more than nine months.
The situation has strained his family. His wife took mental health leave from work. Their daughter recently graduated first grade without his presence. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner's offices have each submitted consulate inquiries on his behalf. Friends have also established a GoFundMe fundraiser to help cover his expenses while the case remains unresolved.
Key players
- Luis Gonzalez: Chesterfield resident and DACA recipient stranded in Mexico
- Amber Wolfe Gonzalez: Luis's wife, advocating for resolution
- U.S. State Department: Agency handling visa denial and administrative processing
- U.S. Consulate in Ciudad Juarez: Issued visa denial based on criminal record flagging
Why it matters: A Chesterfield family faces prolonged separation and financial strain while challenging what they say is a case of mistaken identity in the immigration system, underscoring risks that arise when government records contain inaccuracies affecting people's ability to return home.
Places
Development timeline
- 2020Green card application initiated: Gonzalez and his family begin the green card application process. [[source]](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/07/28/chesterfield-man-stuck-mexico-amid-green-card-dispute-family-says-it-case-mistaken-identity/)
- October 2025Consulate interview and flagging: Gonzalez travels to Ciudad Juarez for final visa interview and is flagged for arrests allegedly involving drug trafficking. [[source]](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/07/28/chesterfield-man-stuck-mexico-amid-green-card-dispute-family-says-it-case-mistaken-identity/)
- December 2025Case placed in administrative processing: Visa case moved to administrative processing status. [[source]](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/07/28/chesterfield-man-stuck-mexico-amid-green-card-dispute-family-says-it-case-mistaken-identity/)
- Early 2026Visa application denied: Consulate denies the green card visa application; Gonzalez begins disputing denial through State Department's LegalNet process. [[source]](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/07/28/chesterfield-man-stuck-mexico-amid-green-card-dispute-family-says-it-case-mistaken-identity/)
Related links
Read the original at NBC12 / WWBT News →