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Judge blocks ICE deportation of Utah man detained after pinto bean arrest

Mar 12, 2026 · Salt Lake City, UT

Judge blocks ICE deportation of Utah man detained after pinto bean arrest

Lorenzo Chavez Rascon, a 22-year-old Utah man, was arrested on February 23, 2026, on suspicion of selling drugs, but the substances were determined to be dried pinto beans. He was released from initial criminal custody but subsequently detained by ICE based on a detainer, despite holding deferred action status from a pending U-visa petition. On March 11, 2026, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking his deportation and ordered the government to explain why he should not be released, ruling that his continued detention violated his constitutional due process rights. As of March 14, he remained in federal custody.

Timeline

Mar 11, 2026Federal judge issued temporary restraining order blocking deportation and ordered government to explain why Chavez Rascon should not be released
Feb 23, 2026Lorenzo Chavez Rascon arrested on suspicion of selling drugs; substances determined to be dried pinto beans
Feb 23, 2026Released from initial criminal custody
Feb 23, 2026ICE detained Chavez Rascon based on detainer despite pending U-visa petition

Sources

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