By Hola Iowa
Witnesses said federal agents followed his vehicle, pointed guns at him and pulled him from the car while he was traveling to his second job July 6.
A father who lived and worked in Iowa was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Clive on July 6 and later deported to Mexico, according to Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice.
The man was traveling to his second job at about 2:30 p.m. when agents in a black van and black SUV followed his car and activated emergency lights, the organization said.
Witnesses who reported the encounter to Iowa MMJ’s Polk County Community Defense Team said the agents wore protective vests marked “Police,” pointed two guns toward the driver and forcibly removed him from the vehicle.
The witnesses said they did not hear agents explain the reason for the stop or present a warrant before taking him into custody. The existence or type of any immigration warrant connected with the operation has not been publicly confirmed.
Witnesses recorded the roadside detention
Several neighbors gathered near the encounter and began recording the agents, according to Iowa MMJ.
Witnesses said the federal vehicles drove over a curb and across grassy medians while leaving the area. They believed the route was used to avoid continued recording, although that motive has not been independently confirmed.
The organization did not identify the street where the detention occurred or release the man’s name. It also did not indicate that Clive police officers participated in the operation.
ICE had not published a public account of the Clive detention as of July 17.
Man says agents pressured him to sign documents
After being taken into custody, the man told Iowa MMJ that federal agents pressured him to sign documents agreeing to his removal from the United States.
He said agents warned that he could remain detained for an indefinite period if he refused to sign. Hola Iowa has not independently reviewed the documents or the man’s immigration case.
The man also said he believes agents selected him because of his appearance and skin color. Federal authorities have not publicly disclosed why he was targeted or whether agents had identified him before following his vehicle.
Iowa MMJ said the man was deported to Mexico after signing the documents. ICE has not publicly confirmed when the removal occurred, where he was held or what immigration order formed the basis for his deportation.
Deportation separated him from his life in Iowa
The man worked two jobs in Iowa and financially supported his parents and 9-year-old daughter in Mexico, according to information provided by Iowa MMJ.
His girlfriend described him as a dependable worker whose plans changed after the deportation.
“He was a hard worker and a good man,” she said. “My dream is to see him again.”
The organization did not disclose whether the couple has retained an attorney, challenged the removal or sought permission for the man to return to the United States.
Related: What Midwest law enforcement agencies say about helping ICE with deportations
Iowa MMJ asks officials to review cooperation with ICE
Iowa MMJ called on state and local officials to review programs and agreements that allow Iowa law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
The organization also asked elected officials to establish additional protections for immigrant and refugee residents and investigate allegations involving the use of force during immigration operations.
The Clive detention was reported to Iowa MMJ’s Polk County Community Defense Team by neighbors who witnessed the encounter. No criminal charges against the man were identified in the information released about the case.
Families searching for an adult who may be in ICE custody can use the federal Online Detainee Locator System. The system allows searches using an immigration identification number or biographical information.
Iowa MMJ also provides immigration legal services and referrals through its legal services program or by phone at 515-255-9809.
Stay informed about the stories affecting Iowa communities. Visit HolaAmericaNews.com for more local news.
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