In brief
An immigration judge has ruled that Felipe de Jesus Hernandez Marcelo, who was shot in a robbery attempt and sought police assistance, will remain detained by ICE pending deportation proceedings. His attorney argues he poses no risk to flee, but the judge remains skeptical due to his past legal issues. Hernandez is also seeking a special visa for crime victims.
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — An immigration judge has denied bond to Felipe de Jesus Hernandez Marcelo, a 28-year-old man who has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since seeking police assistance after being shot in Iowa.
Hernandez has been in ICE custody since June 24, just days after he suffered life-threatening injuries in a robbery attempt in Muscatine, Iowa. His application for a special visa designed to protect victims who report crimes is currently in process.
Despite Hernandez's efforts to reclaim his belongings from the police, he was arrested due to an outstanding warrant related to prior traffic violations and subsequently turned over to ICE.
His lawyer claimed that Hernandez poses no flight risk and has been a valuable witness in the case against his assailants, one of whom has already pleaded guilty. However, the judge noted uncertainties regarding Hernandez's eligibility for the visa, emphasizing his previous legal troubles as a reason for denying bond.
Amid his detention, Hernandez has been hindered from attending necessary medical appointments and has been separated from his young son, raising concerns about the impact of his lengthy detention.
Hernandez's legal team plans to continue fighting for his release, arguing the injustice of binding a victim of crime in continuous custody.
