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Construction worker Diego Hernandez Garcia detained in ICE raid, deported to El Salvador

May 26, 2026 · Maryville, TN, El Salvador

Construction worker Diego Hernandez Garcia detained in ICE raid, deported to El Salvador

Diego Hernandez Garcia, a 24-year-old construction worker who had lived in the U.S. since age 13, was detained by ICE on December 11, 2025, during a raid at a Hardin Valley construction site in Knoxville. Hernandez Garcia had been granted protective status in 2022 and had an approved I-360 petition for lawful permanent status. His attorney claimed he had valid work authorization at the time of detention and that ICE revoked his deferred status only after taking him into custody. A federal judge denied his habeas corpus petition and lifted a stay on a 2016 removal order, ruling the government was not constitutionally obligated to provide due process before terminating his deferred action status. Hernandez Garcia was subsequently deported to El Salvador.

Timeline

May 26, 2026Hernandez Garcia deported to El Salvador following judge's ruling
Dec 11, 2025Diego Hernandez Garcia detained by ICE at Hardin Valley construction site
Dec 11, 2025Federal judge denied Hernandez Garcia's habeas corpus petition and lifted stay on 2016 removal order
Dec 1, 2025Federal judge ordered records from the ICE raid unsealed and made public

Sources

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