Urgent Rally to Bring Home Livermore Dad Deported by ICE

UPDATE: A passionate rally unfolded outside the federal courthouse in San Francisco today as protesters demanded the return of Miguel Lopez, a longtime resident of Livermore who was deported to Mexico by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Demonstrators, including family members, gathered at 450 Golden Gate Ave. to chant slogans like “Bring Miguel Home” and “Due Process For All,” showcasing the urgency of their mission.

Lopez’s family has faced a heartbreaking separation for over five months, following his deportation in June. Just hours before his removal, a judge had ordered he should be allowed to remain in the United States. The emotional toll of this situation was evident as Lopez’s wife, Rosa Lopez, expressed her pain, especially with the holiday season approaching. “He’s just so ready to come home,” she said before the hearing.

Earlier today, dozens of supporters were turned away from the courtroom by U.S. Marshals, who informed them that the session would be held online due to space restrictions. Family and friends crowded into the second-floor cafeteria of the courthouse, watching the proceedings on their phones as Lopez streamed the hearing from his new home outside Mexico City.

The family gathered to support Lopez during a case management conference with Judge Trina Thompson, who recently decided not to dismiss his case despite federal prosecutors’ requests. Saad Ahmad, Lopez’s attorney, highlighted the complexities of his case, stating, “These cases are stressful because they take a lot of time, they take a lot of work.” Ahmad argued that Lopez, who was granted the right to stay in the U.S. in 2012, never had a chance to fully defend his permanent residency status.

“This is one of the first cases of its kind. There’s never been anything like this before,” Ahmad emphasized, underscoring the unprecedented nature of Lopez’s situation.

Supporters included community members and activists, such as Chris Lima, a retired firefighter from the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department, and Ward Kanowsky, an organizer with Indivisible Tri-Valley. Kanowsky declared, “We’re not going to forget Miguel. And we’re not going to give up this effort until we bring Miguel home.”

Educators also joined the rally, including Laura Brown, a teacher at Granada High School, who took time off work to support the cause. She taught Lopez’s eldest son, Angel, and remarked, “Miguel’s home is not in Mexico, a place he hasn’t lived for over 25 years. His home is in the Tri-Valley.”

As the situation develops, the community remains steadfast in their support for Lopez and his family. The next court date is crucial, as it will determine the future of Miguel Lopez and his hopes of reuniting with his family in Livermore.

This rally highlights the ongoing battle for immigrant rights and due process in the U.S., resonating deeply with many who believe in the importance of family unity and justice. The emotional stakes are high as the Lopez family awaits a resolution that could change their lives forever.