HOUSTON, Texas — Spc. Vanessa Guillen's grandmother and six aunts and uncles received humanitarian visas to travel from Mexico to Houston to attend Guillen's funeral services.
The seven family members, from the Mexican state of Zacatecas, were granted the opportunity to stay in the U.S. for 15 days.
The visas were obtained by the family members with the help of the Zacatecas state government, Consul General of Mexico Alicia Kerber and Mexico's Ambassador the U.S. Martha Barcena.
Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) previously said he would also work with the soldier's family to help relatives living in Mexico attend the soldier's funeral services. Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), who has been working with the Guillen family and their attorney throughout the investigation into the soldier's death, also helped the family in Mexico obtain the visas.
A representative from the Zacatecas governor's office met with the seven family members to say goodbye before the family left Mexico July 18.
No official date has been given for Spc. Guillen's funeral, but her sister Mayra told 6 News it would be in late July or possibly early August.
Also on KCENTV.com
- Spc. Vanessa Guillen remembered in memorial on Fort Hood
- Vanessa Guillen's mother prays for change at mural honoring Spc. Guillen in Killeen
- Cecily Aguilar pleads not guilty, bond denied until trial for her suspected role in death of Vanessa Guillen
- Mayor declares July 11 Vanessa Guillen Day at Houston car ride
