Family Seeks Help As Montco Area Father Detained At 'Alligator Alcatraz'

UPPER MERION, PA — A longtime Chester and Montgomery County man and father and husband to a local family was incarcerated at the infamous "Alligator Alcatraz" prison in Florida for months after he was detained by immigration authorities, and advocates are calling for help.

Carlos Della Valle was originally taken into custody on Dec. 24, 2024 after returning from St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands on vacation with his family. He originally fled Mexico as a 20-year-old in 1996, "trying to escape the poverty, violence, and lack of employment opportunities," his family said.

Della Valle was initially deported and then returned and settled in the Philly area, where he has lived for 30 years. He was married to his wife Angela, who works with the Upper Merion School District, and they now have a son who is a junior at the University of Pittsburgh.

"Carlos had no knowledge that his re-entry after deportation would result in such a harsh penalty, which includes an immediate 10 year ban that has to be served outside of the country," according to GoFundMe launched to raise funds to help with legal expenses.

He's currently being held on charges of illegal re-entry, though he was released this week from Alligator Alcatraz, the facility at the center of controversy over its allegedly poor conditions, and transferred to a prison in Miami.

The Della Valles have attempted on numerous occasions to obtain citizenship for Carlos, but have been unable to due to various immigration laws. They said they have obtained counsel from some 30 lawyers over the past several decades spanning five different states, with the general recommendation from attorneys being to wait for immigration reform.

In the meantime, Della Valle has tried his best to live his life and be an active and engaged citizen.

"Having always been employed at the same company since 2000 where he has been promoted to plant manager, paying his taxes, never using any government benefits, learning English, getting his GED, being an amazing husband, father, friend and community member – none of these factors change his status or have provided a pathway to legalization," the GoFundMe notes.

Angela Della Valle, meanwhile, is working with lawyers and judges to attempt to demonstrate her husband's character and secure his release. A total of $45,000 has been raised for the effort through the fundraiser, and organizers note that any unused funds will be donated to the Lord’s Pantry in Downingtown and Upper Merion Community Cupboard in King of Prussia.