For Immediate Release // Please Excuse Cross Posting
Friday, August 14th, 2026
Contact: Palmira Figueroa, 425-301-2764; pfigueroa@ndlon.org
Family and advocates call for immediate medical treatment and release of Guillermo “Memo” Gallardo Barrera, who has spent a year in detention despite having no criminal record
Phoenix, Ariz. — Guillermo “Memo” Gallardo Barrera, a longtime Arizona resident, father and construction worker, is pleading for help as his health deteriorates inside an immigration detention center after nearly a year behind bars.
Memo has lived in Arizona for more than 20 years, working in construction and welding while raising his two U.S.-born sons. His family says he built a life in Arizona before he was detained following a traffic stop in Gilbert and transferred to the Florence Detention Center.
Memo has no criminal record. Now, his family says he is suffering from a serious medical condition and is not receiving the medical care he needs.
“He is terrified, he will not make it out alive,” said Memo’s wife (who will remain anonymous due to safety concerns). “When he was detained he was healthy and now he can barely walk. His hands are going numb, he is struggling to get food, and his condition continues to get worse. We are desperate for someone to listen and get him the medical care he needs.”
Memo has reportedly been experiencing severe pain and other worsening symptoms while in detention. His family says he needs medication and evaluation by a qualified physician, but that officials have failed to provide an adequate diagnosis or access to appropriate medical treatment.
His children are also being affected. His young son is experiencing extreme anxiety as he waits for his father to come home.
“For more than 20 years, Memo worked, raised his children, and contributed to his community,” said Erika Andiola, Political Director at National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON). “He should not have to fight for basic medical care from inside a detention cell. No family should have to wonder whether their father will survive detention simply because he cannot access the medical treatment he needs.”
Memo recently agreed to speak on camera about his condition because he says he is desperate to save his life and return home to his family. Here is the link to his original video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qu5Jw7gR0KN1EiK7kd_yy-qz2pGVxwti/view?usp=sharing
Here’s the link of the translated video in various social media platforms:
- IG https://www.instagram.com/p/Db_q0RxSWub/
- X https://x.com/ErikaAndiola/status/2088026732104503773?s=20
- BS https://bsky.app/profile/erikaandiola.bsky.social/post/3msypl6nktc2f
- TT https://www.tiktok.com/@erika_andiola/video/7673640613404855582?lang=en
“Guillermo’s situation is not the exception, it is the norm. We are seeing people remain in immigration detention for months without meaningful due process, separated from their families and left without adequate medical care,” said Raquel Teran, Proyecto Progreso Director. “The government pays private companies and other facility operators to provide detention services, creating a system where detention itself carries a financial cost to taxpayers. But no contract or payment should come before a person’s basic human dignity and right to adequate medical care. What is happening to Memo is inhumane and unacceptable.”
His family and supporters are calling for immediate, adequate medical care for Memo and his release from immigration detention so he can receive appropriate treatment and be reunited with his children.
TAKE ACTION
Members of the public who want to support Memo can call the detention center at (520)868-9095, press 0 to speak with an operator, and request that Guillermo Gallardo Barrera, A#221325036, receive adequate medical care.
The family has also created a GoFundMe page to support Memo’s immigration attorneys, bond costs if granted, and his sons while they are without their father.
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