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Venezuelan immigrant detained at Trump hotel checkpoint, held three months, loses job and home

Jan 27, 2025 · Doral, FL, Venezuela

Venezuelan immigrant detained at Trump hotel checkpoint, held three months, loses job and home

Bryan José Rojas Galofre, a Venezuelan immigrant married to a U.S. citizen, was detained by ICE on January 27, 2025, following a security checkpoint stop at Trump National Doral hotel during a honeymoon trip. Agents discovered an airsoft gun and marijuana grinder in his vehicle, leading to local drug paraphernalia charges and questioning about gang ties based on his tattoos. Despite an immigration judge granting him bond in April 2025, Rojas remained in federal detention until his release on May 6, 2025. His nearly three-month detention resulted in job loss, expiration of his work permit, loss of his home and vehicle, depletion of retirement savings, over $80,000 in debt, and significant family financial hardship. His immigration case remains pending with a hearing scheduled for 2028.

Timeline

May 6, 2025Rojas released from federal detention after nearly three months in custody
Apr 2025Immigration judge granted Rojas bond
Jan 27, 2025Bryan José Rojas Galofre detained by ICE at Trump National Doral hotel security checkpoint; airsoft gun and marijuana grinder found in vehicle

Sources

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