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Father deported to Mexico after ICE traffic stop, leaving Eugene family separated across border

Nov 19, 2025 · Eugene, OR, Mexico

Father deported to Mexico after ICE traffic stop, leaving Eugene family separated across border

Misael Garcia Lopez, 48, spent 18 years building a life in Eugene, Oregon with his wife Valeria and three children—Leo, 11, Jasmine, 22, and Luis—working in landscaping, roofing, and other jobs. On November 19, 2025, ICE agents in unmarked vehicles conducted a traffic stop near Meadowlark Prairie minutes after he dropped Leo at school and arrested him for lacking legal status, despite his clean criminal record. Over nearly two months detained at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington, Garcia Lopez received support letters from family, friends, and community members attesting to his work ethic, kindness, and role as a devoted father. His 22-year-old daughter Jasmine, a U.S. citizen and certified nursing assistant, spoke publicly about his case despite her mother's fear. On January 15, 2026, Garcia Lopez accepted voluntary departure and was deported to Mexico, arriving with only 96 cents and no documents. His family remained in Oregon; months later, he watched via video call as his grandson was born.

Timeline

Nov 19, 2025ICE agents in unmarked vehicles conducted traffic stop near Meadowlark Prairie, arrested Misael Garcia Lopez for lacking legal status minutes after he dropped his 11-year-old son at school
Nov 19, 2025Garcia Lopez detained at Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington; received support letters from family, friends, and community members; daughter Jasmine spoke publicly about his case
Jan 15, 2026Garcia Lopez accepted voluntary departure and was deported to Mexico, arriving with only 96 cents and no documents
After 1/15/2026Garcia Lopez watched via video call as his grandson was born in Oregon months after deportation

Sources

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