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Salvadoran immigrant detained at ICE check-in after seven-year residency petition wait

Aug 4, 2026·Location: Cedar Rapids, IA

Country of origin: El Salvador

Salvadoran immigrant detained at ICE check-in after seven-year residency petition wait
Photo via KCRG

Adela Margarita Angel Melendez, an immigrant from El Salvador living in West Liberty, Iowa, was detained during a routine immigration check-in at the Cedar Rapids Department of Homeland Security office on August 4, 2026. She had been waiting seven years for the office to process a residency petition filed by her U.S. citizen sister. Two additional immigrants were also detained during routine check-ins at the same office that morning, according to advocacy group Escucha Mi Voz, which had been outside the office supporting immigrants at their regular meetings with the department.

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