U.S. citizen arrested while 9 months pregnant, held by ICE before release after citizenship confirmed
Feb 20, 2026 · Hawthorne, CA, Guatemala

Cary López Alvarado, a U.S. citizen from Hawthorne, California, was arrested by ICE agents while nine months pregnant alongside her husband, an immigrant from Guatemala. ICE held her overnight but released her after discovering her citizenship status. Immediately after her release, Alvarado experienced sharp stomach pains and gave birth a few days later. Footage from the arrest shows federal agents restraining her with her hands held behind her back, despite guidance that officers should not use physical restraints on pregnant individuals. Her husband has since been deported, leaving Alvarado without income and relying on family to help care for her newborn. Alvarado is seeking $1 million in damages from Border Patrol and ICE agents, citing unconstitutional conduct and unlawful arrest.
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