An American citizen detained at the request of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was released after being charged as an “unauthorized alien” during his arrest in Florida.
Juan Carlos Lopez-Gomez, 20, was taken into custody Wednesday by Florida Highway Patrol. He was traveling to Tallahassee to complete a construction job when he was arrested by state officials. Law enforcement officers cited a new state law that prohibits individuals from knowingly entering or attempting to enter Florida after entering the United States by “eluding” or “avoiding examination” or inspection by immigration officers.
However, Lopez-Gomez’s mother proved he was a U.S.-born citizen by providing his birth certificate to a state judge.
“In looking at it, and feeling it, and holding it up to the light, the court can clearly see the watermark to show that this is indeed an authentic document,” Leon County Judge LaShawn Riggans said after being presented with the document, according to the Florida Phoenix.
Riggans then ruled there was no probable cause to uphold the charge against Lopez-Gomez but added that she did not have the authority to release him because ICE asked Leon County Jail to hold Lopez-Gomez.
However, he was eventually released after spending Wednesday night in detainment.
“He is free!! Thank you to everyone who shared, call and did anything to help secure his release,” Thomas Kennedy of the Florida Immigrant Coalition wrote Thursday in a post on the social platform X that featured a picture of Lopez-Gomez with family.
ICE did not immediately respond to The Hill’s request for comment regarding his release.
