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Venezuelan construction worker detained by ICE during routine check-in in Cedar Rapids

August 19, 2026 · Cedar Rapids, IA, Venezuela

Venezuelan construction worker detained by ICE during routine check-in in Cedar Rapids

Luis Adolfo Nouel Gonzalez, a Venezuelan immigrant who worked in construction helping build the QTS data center in Fairfax, Iowa, was detained by ICE after appearing for a scheduled check-in appointment at the Cedar Rapids ICE office. Gonzalez had lived in Iowa for three years with his wife and daughter, was inspected and paroled into the U.S., applied for asylum and Temporary Protected Status, and has no criminal record in Iowa. Advocacy group Escucha Mi Voz said he complied with all conditions of his parole, with member Rogelio Lagunas stating, "Luis did everything the government required of him." His attorney, Raziel Argueta, said the detention followed the Trump administration's termination of TPS for Venezuela, which was upheld by a court in June. The Department of Homeland Security said Gonzalez entered the country near San Luis, Arizona in 2022 and does not hold lawful immigration status. He is being held in Hardin County.

Timeline

Aug 21, 2026Attorney and reports clarify detention linked to end of TPS for Venezuela and DHS statement on his immigration status
Aug 19, 2026Luis Adolfo Nouel Gonzalez detained by ICE after appearing for a scheduled appointment at the Cedar Rapids ICE office; held in Hardin County

Sources

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