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DACA activist detained at airport, released after judge rules arrest unconstitutional

Oct 1, 2025 · El Paso, TX, Mexico

Catalina 'Xóchitl' Santiago, a 28-year-old DACA recipient and community organizer from El Paso, was detained by Border Patrol agents on August 3, 2025, at El Paso International Airport while traveling for work with her wife, Desiree Miller, a U.S. citizen whom Santiago married earlier in 2025. Despite holding valid DACA status since 2012—renewed seven times with her current renewal expiring in April 2026—Santiago was subjected to deportation proceedings. Originally from Mexico, Santiago has lived in the U.S. since age 8. On October 1, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Cardone ruled that Santiago's arrest and detention violated her Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights and ordered her release from the ICE El Paso Service Processing Center. Judge Cardone found that the government presented no evidence that Santiago endangered anyone during her twenty years at liberty, including her thirteen years under DACA, and failed to articulate any individualized reason for her detention. Santiago's brother Jose said the family was deeply affected by her detention and expressed relief at her release.

Timeline

Oct 1, 2025U.S. District Judge Kathleen Cardone ruled Santiago's arrest and detention violated Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights; ordered her release from ICE El Paso Service Processing Center
Aug 3, 2025Santiago detained by Border Patrol agents at El Paso International Airport while traveling for work; placed in deportation proceedings despite valid DACA status

Sources

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