HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

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71-year-old great-grandmother detained 10 months after restaurant raid while owners remain free

Jan 2026 · Arizona, AZ

Maria Cristina Tapia Cornejo, a 71-year-old undocumented immigrant, has been held at Eloy Detention Center for over 10 months following an ICE raid on Colt Grill restaurants in July 2025. Despite multiple requests for humanitarian release citing her age, hearing impairment, lack of criminal record, and deep family ties in Arizona, ICE has kept her detained. The restaurant owners who were arrested on charges of hiring undocumented workers were released and granted court-approved travel out of state while awaiting trial. An immigration judge ordered Tapia Cornejo's deportation in January 2026, and she is appealing while remaining in custody, citing safety concerns related to cartel violence in her hometown.

Timeline

Jan 2026Immigration judge ordered Tapia Cornejo's deportation
Jul 15, 2025After 10 months in detention, Tapia Cornejo remains in ICE custody while appealing deportation order
Jul 2025ICE raid on Colt Grill restaurants in northern Arizona; Maria Cristina Tapia Cornejo and restaurant owners arrested
Jul 2025Restaurant owners released on own recognizance and granted court-approved travel out of state

Sources

More incidents in Arizona