HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

High school student detained by ICE at traffic stop, released after judge rules detention violated due process

Apr 24, 2026 · Memphis, TN, Nicaragua

High school student detained by ICE at traffic stop, released after judge rules detention violated due process

Yasser Jose Lopez Soza, an 18-year-old high school student at Memphis Business Academy, was detained by ICE agents on February 20, 2026, while a passenger in a vehicle during a traffic stop on the way to a soccer game. He was held at the West Tennessee Detention Facility in Mason, Tennessee, as part of enforcement actions from the Memphis Task Force established in late 2025. Tennessee State Rep. Gabby Salinas visited him and noted he was a good student with a job and college soccer prospects. On April 24, 2026, Federal Judge Sheryl Lipman ordered his immediate release, ruling that his detention without bond violated his due process rights. Lopez Soza, originally from Nicaragua, was released after approximately two months in custody.

Timeline

Apr 24, 2026Federal Judge Sheryl Lipman ordered Lopez Soza's immediate release, ruling detention without bond violated due process rights
Apr 24, 2026Lopez Soza released from ICE custody after two months in detention
Feb 20, 2026Yasser Lopez Soza detained by ICE agents at traffic stop while passenger en route to soccer game; held at West Tennessee Detention Facility in Mason
Feb 20, 2026Tennessee State Rep. Gabby Salinas visited Lopez Soza at detention facility

Sources

More incidents in Tennessee