Migrant arrested in Puerto Rico challenges his deportation

Detained Migrant in Puerto Rico Challenges Deportation

Legal Implications Unfold

Here Are the Details

What began as a routine outing to buy groceries and visit a sick friend quickly turned into a nightmare for Juan Vega, a Latino immigrant who was detained during a collateral Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation.

Vega now faces a legal battle to fight for his right to remain in the United States.

On Sunday, January 26, around 10 a.m., Vega left his home in San Juan intending to buy an avocado while his wife prepared a traditional dish called sancocho.

However, near the supermarket where he was shopping, ICE agents were conducting a large-scale immigration raid in Barrio Obrero.

Although Vega was not the intended target of the operation, he was arrested as part of a «collateral detention», a practice that gained notoriety under the immigration policies of then-President Donald Trump.

Collateral Detention: Juan Vega’s Legal Battle

? ?? Migrant Goes Out for Groceries in Puerto Rico, Ends Up Behind Bars in Miami After Surprise ICE Raid

The case of Juan Vega highlights how immigration raids affect entire families, even those with no criminal records. https://t.co/pvbgsh1wuo

– La Republica (@larepublica_pe) February 15, 2025

Hours after his arrest, Vega managed to contact his wife, Iris Lázaro, informing her that his car was still at the supermarket and that he had been detained.

In an interview with Univision, Lázaro described the anguish of not knowing her husband’s whereabouts until she received his message.

Vega decided not to sign the «voluntary departure» order, a mechanism ICE offers to deport immigrants quickly without going through legal proceedings.

As a result, he was transferred to the Federal Detention Center in Miami, where he awaits a hearing before an immigration judge. His case highlights the challenges faced by many immigrants caught up in surprise raids without having committed any crimes.

ICE Raid in Barrio Obrero Leads to Mass Arrests

The ICE operation in Barrio Obrero led to the detention of 47 immigrants from various nationalities.

2 were later released.

5 face charges for illegal re-entry after prior deportation.

The remainder, like Vega, were forced to choose between voluntary departure or facing an uncertain legal process.

Migrant Rights Organizations Raise Concerns

Organizations advocating for immigrant rights have voiced deep concern over the rise in collateral detentions.

«These types of operations affect entire families and create a climate of fear in our communities.»

Said a spokesperson for the Alliance for Migrant Justice.

According to EL TIEMPO.

Juan Vega’s Family Left in Limbo

While Juan Vega awaits his hearing, his family remains in a state of uncertainty.

His case has become a symbol of the broader struggle faced by many immigrants who, despite adversity, choose to fight for their right to remain on U.S. soil.

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Detained Migrant in Puerto Rico Challenges Deportation – ? ICE Detains Migrant During Collateral Raid in Puerto Rico / Photo: MundoNOW