Sunday Afternoon Reads: An American Deportation

Nov 9, 2025

Andy Olsen, Senior Features Writer at Christianity Today, shares the gripping immigration saga of Nelson and Gladys González. They fled Colombia in the 1980s, but their journey took a tumultuous turn with immigration struggles and a shocking deportation. Olsen delves into how their faith flourished amidst adversity, their leadership roles in Saddleback Church, and the challenges they faced with dishonest legal advice. He also highlights their poignant reunion moments and the impact of their deportation on their family and church community.

01:06:54

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ANECDOTE

Decision To Stay Shaped Their Future

Nelson and Gladys nearly moved back to Colombia but stayed after a pastor's prophetic word told them not to go.
That decision set the course for 35 years of life, faith, and eventual deportation.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Nighttime Border Crossing Into California

The couple crossed the U.S. border at night in 1989 amid chaos and fear, relying on a guide and luck.
They evaded capture and quickly began building a new life in Southern California.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Legal Fraud Deepened Their Risk

Predatory notarios and unethical lawyers repeatedly misled the Gonzálezes and filed conflicting asylum claims.
Those legal deceptions led them to miss interviews and ultimately deepened their deportation risk.

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How did Nelson and Gladys almost leave the U.S. in 1996?

02:04 • 3min

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How did immigration policy shape their early life in America?

05:10 • 5min

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How did Nelson and Gladys meet and decide to emigrate?

10:31 • 5min

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Why did newly arrived Gonzalezes embrace church life?

16:00 • 3min

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What role did Misión Cristiana play in their community life?

19:15 • 1min

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How did dishonest lawyers complicate their immigration case?

20:33 • 4min

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What happened when they received a deportation notice in 1993?

24:51 • 3min

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Why did they lie about their entry date in court?

27:55 • 4min

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How did the family keep fighting for legal relief for decades?

32:20 • 48sec

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How did ICE supervision allow them to remain for years?

33:09 • 5min

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How did faith become their life’s purpose in the U.S.?

37:56 • 1min

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How did Saddleback Church shape the Gonzalez family's ministry?

39:14 • 3min

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What initiatives did Gladys lead in women's ministry?

41:45 • 3min

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What ordinary moments became prophetic before their arrest?

44:48 • 1min

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What occurred at their ICE check-in on February 21?

45:58 • 56sec

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How did policy changes end discretionary supervision?

46:54 • 2min

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How did the family respond to the arrest and early detention?

48:33 • 3min

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How did detention life affect Nelson and Gladys?

51:51 • 5min

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What was their deportation journey like?

56:58 • 2min

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How did the family adapt their wedding plans after deportation?

58:33 • 2min

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How did the deportation impact their church community?

01:00:07 • 31sec

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How did the daughters support their parents post-deportation?

01:00:38 • 30sec

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What is life like for them now in Bogotá?

01:01:08 • 1min

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How did the author conclude his reporting and witness the wedding?

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Nelson and Gladys Gonzalez snuck into the US in the 1980s from Colombia, rooted themselves in California where they became Christians, and eventually became lay leaders at Saddleback Church in Orange County, California. CT’s Andy Olsen got to know the Gonzalez family and recounts their complex and poignant story in his piece ‘An American Deportation.’ We’ve asked Andy to read his piece out loud. We think you’ll love it. Settle in and enjoy!

READ THE WRITTEN VERSION:

-They Led at Saddleback Church. ICE Said They Were Safe. by Andy Olsen.

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ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Andy Olsen is the senior features writer at Christianity Today. He previously oversaw the print magazine team. His writing has appeared in the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune, among other outlets, and has been recognized by the Religion News Association and the Evangelical Press Association.

ABOUT THE BULLETIN:

The Bulletin is a twice-weekly politics and current events show from Christianity Today moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today’s editor-at-large and columnist) and Mike Cosper (senior contributor). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more.

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