Theater manager detained after overstaying tourist visa, granted bond
Jul 30, 2025·Location: Kirkland, WA
Country of origin: Brazil

Fernando Alves Rocha, a 45-year-old Brazilian theater manager at Juanita High School in Kirkland, was arrested by ICE on July 18 after overstaying a tourist visa he entered in August 2018. He filed an asylum application in February 2019, one day before his visa expired, and has maintained a valid work permit since then. Director Rose Cano described him as well-loved at the high school and a good mentor to students. According to witness accounts, ICE agents pulled Rocha from his vehicle and threw him to the ground during the arrest. ICE alleged he is wanted by Brazilian law enforcement for theft, but his attorney stated they were not shown evidence of any crimes. The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 15 raised $36,405 through GoFundMe to support his legal fight and help secure his $10,000 bond. On July 29, Immigration Court Judge Tammy Fitting granted the bond, citing his strong community ties, pending asylum claim, and lack of danger to the community or flight risk. Rocha was released from Northwest Detention Center on July 30.
Timeline
Sources
- Teacher detained by ICE after 'overstaying visa'
Newsweek·Jul 23, 2025·archived copy
- High school theater manager to bond out of Tacoma immigrant lockup
KUOW·Jul 29, 2025·archived copy
KUOW·Jul 29, 2025·archived copy
- Juanita High School employee released from Northwest Detention Center
kiro7.com·Jul 30, 2025·archived copy
- Seattle Times
- Seattle Times
- Seattle Times
- ICE arrest of high school theater manager raises questions on immigration verification in school hiring - Lynnwood Times
lynnwoodtimes.com·Jul 21, 2025·archived copy
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