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Guatemalan man beaten by ICE agents wins release after judge rules detention unlawful

Jul 16, 2026 · Suffolk, VA, Guatemala

Guatemalan man beaten by ICE agents wins release after judge rules detention unlawful

Victor Alfredo Perez Martin, a Guatemalan national, was arrested by ICE on July 6, 2026, outside Sentara BelleHarbour outpatient campus in Suffolk during a targeted enforcement operation. Bystander video documented ICE agents tackling him to the ground and repeatedly striking him with punches and knees to the stomach and back while attempting to handcuff him. ICE initially claimed Perez Martin had accepted voluntary departure, but his attorney James Reyes withdrew that acceptance and requested a notice to appear in immigration court. On July 16, U.S. District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles ruled that ICE had detained him under the wrong statute and ordered his release, finding he was entitled to a bond hearing. Perez Martin was released the same day and will proceed with immigration court proceedings where he will seek bond and face removal.

Timeline

Jul 16, 2026U.S. District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles ruled ICE detained Perez Martin under wrong statute and ordered his release; attorney James Reyes had withdrawn voluntary departure acceptance and requested notice to appear; Perez Martin released same day to proceed with immigration court proceedings
Jul 13, 2026Community protest held in response to arrest video, raising concerns about ICE enforcement tactics
Jul 6, 2026Victor Alfredo Perez Martin arrested by ICE outside Sentara BelleHarbour outpatient campus in Suffolk; bystander video documented agents tackling and repeatedly striking him; ICE claimed he accepted voluntary departure

Sources

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