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U.S. citizen wrongfully detained under blocked Florida immigration law

Apr 18, 2025 · Leon County, FL

U.S. citizen wrongfully detained under blocked Florida immigration law

Juan Carlos Lopez-Gomez, a 20-year-old U.S. citizen born in Georgia, was arrested by Florida Highway Patrol on April 16, 2025, following a traffic stop for speeding. He was charged under Senate Bill 4C, a state immigration enforcement law that had been temporarily blocked by court order. Despite presenting valid identification documents including a birth certificate and Social Security card, he was held on an ICE detainer at Leon County Jail without food. A judge verified his citizenship and confirmed he had committed no crime, but initially stated the court lacked jurisdiction to release him due to ICE's detainer request. He was released after approximately 24 hours following public advocacy from civil rights advocates, journalists, and elected officials.

Timeline

Apr 18, 2025Lopez-Gomez released from custody following public advocacy from civil rights advocates, journalists, and elected officials
Apr 17, 2025Judge verified Lopez-Gomez's citizenship and confirmed no crime committed; initially stated court lacked jurisdiction to release him due to ICE detainer request
Apr 16, 2025Juan Carlos Lopez-Gomez arrested by Florida Highway Patrol following traffic stop for speeding; charged under Senate Bill 4C and held on ICE detainer at Leon County Jail

Sources

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