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Human Impact Project

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Detroit construction worker detained by ICE despite valid work authorization and pending green card

Dec 17, 2025 · Detroit, MI, Mexico

Ernesto Cuevas Enciso, a 34-year-old Detroit construction worker, was detained by ICE on December 6, 2025, while heading to a job site in Ypsilanti. Cuevas Enciso immigrated from Mexico at age three and has lived in the United States since childhood. He is married to a U.S. citizen, father of a one-year-old daughter, and holds valid work authorization and a Michigan driver's license while his green card application is pending. A former DACA recipient, he lost that status due to nonviolent misdemeanor offenses from over a decade ago. His sister Miriam Stone confirmed he was carrying his identification when picked up. Eight Michigan Democratic lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib and State Sen. Stephanie Chang, along with faith leaders and city officials, wrote letters urging ICE to release him on bond before his December 17 immigration hearing. Cuevas Enciso is being held at the North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin, Michigan.

Timeline

Dec 17, 2025Immigration hearing scheduled
Dec 6, 2025Ernesto Cuevas Enciso detained by ICE while heading to job site in Ypsilanti; taken to North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin
Dec 6, 2025Michigan Democratic lawmakers including U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib and State Sen. Stephanie Chang, along with faith leaders and city officials, urge ICE to release him on bond

Sources

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