News Summary

In West Liberty, Iowa, community members unite to support Pascual Leonardo Pedro, a 20-year-old Guatemalan immigrant detained by ICE during a check-in. After a vigil, locals express hope for his legal situation despite increasing ICE detentions in the area. The community’s response highlights the emotional toll of immigration policy and the fight for immigrant rights.

Community Rallies to Support a Young Immigrant Detained by ICE in Iowa

In the heart of West Liberty, Iowa, the tight-knit community is coming together in an impressive show of support for a 20-year-old Guatemalan immigrant who finds himself in a difficult situation. Pascual Leonardo Pedro, a construction worker, was detained by ICE during a routine immigration check-in on July 1, leaving his family and friends confused and heartbroken.

A Journey from Guatemala

Pedro made the journey from Guatemala to West Liberty seven years ago when he was just 12 years old. Since then, he has grown up in this community, making a name for himself not only as a hard worker but also as a dedicated athlete. He graduated from West Liberty High School and played on the school’s soccer team, even helping them qualify for the state tournament just last year. This remarkable young man has become a valued member of the community, and now many are asking why he was detained despite his efforts to follow the law.

Legal Challenges

Pedro’s family has always been diligent in meeting the requirements of his immigration status. They claim that he has been abiding by an order of supervision that mandates yearly check-ins at immigration offices. Recently, the family hired a lawyer and paid $1,500 to renew Pedro’s work permit but are still waiting for it to arrive. To their dismay, they found themselves facing an unexpected crisis when Pedro was taken into custody. Understandably, they are struggling to comprehend how attending his scheduled check-in could lead to such severe consequences.

A Vigil of Hope

On a recent evening, hundreds of community members gathered at St. Joseph Catholic Church, forming a powerful collective of support for Pedro. The vigil was a heartfelt tribute that united individuals across different backgrounds and beliefs. The attendees included attorney Timothy Farmer, who has laid out a legal strategy to file an application for a stay of removal in hopes of preventing Pedro’s deportation. Many believe that the overwhelming show of solidarity could positively influence the outcome of his case.

Looking Ahead

Legal applications for stays of removal typically get responses in just a few days, heightening the urgency and emotional toll for Pedro’s family. His grandfather and relatives express their distress, highlighting that Pedro has done everything legally required of him as an immigrant. They repeatedly ask what he did wrong, emphasizing his innocence and good character. The community’s emotional investment in Pedro’s well-being reflects a shared concern over immigration issues that affect many families.

Support and Solidarity

In addition to the vigil, supporters have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover Pedro’s mounting legal expenses, further demonstrating how the community is rallying for him. During this challenging time, those who know him closely insist that he deserves to stay in the place he now calls home.

Immigration Issues in Iowa

Pedro’s case shines a light on a much larger issue, as Iowa has seen a significant increase in ICE detentions lately. Reports indicate that there have been 451 arrests since January of this year, escalating from only 298 arrests throughout all of 2024. Many community leaders, including religious figures and elected officials, joined forces at the vigil to advocate for Pedro’s release and emphasize the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants, particularly those who are trying to comply with immigration laws.

A Community’s Heart

Pedro’s detention has ignited conversations about the treatment of immigrants who are diligently obeying the rules yet still face the threat of deportation. As the community rallies behind him, Pedro’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the moral implications of current immigration policies and enforcement practices in the United States.

With so much at stake for Pedro and his family, the hope is that the collective voice of the community will echo loudly enough to bring about positive change. In these uncertain times, community support stands as a beacon of hope.

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