Felipe Zapata Velásquez, a student at the University of Florida, found himself in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after a traffic violation in Gainesville. The Colombian national, who holds an F-1 visa, was transported to the Krome Detention Center in Miami-Dade County without legal assistance.
Zapata, a junior studying Economics in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, was taken into custody on March 29 for driving with an expired license. His mother, Claudia Velásquez, explained to Univision 23 that her son was in the process of obtaining the I-20 form to renew his license and had already settled the necessary fines. Despite resolving the matter at the police station, ICE agents intercepted him, stating that due to the infraction on his record, they needed to take him into custody. He was subsequently moved to Jacksonville and then the detention facility in Miami-Dade, where, according to his mother, he was coerced into signing a self-deportation agreement without a lawyer's presence.
From Colombia, Velásquez voiced her distress, saying that the family is in turmoil, unable to sleep or eat peacefully as they worry about Felipe's well-being and lack of communication. She shared that Felipe has resided in the United States for nearly six years, aiming to complete his studies with only a year left to earn his degree. Initially, he attended Santa Fe College and later received a scholarship to continue at the University of Florida. His goal was to finish his education and return to Colombia to begin his professional career.
State legislator Yvonne Hinson, a Florida Democrat, questioned Zapata’s detention, arguing that such a severe measure is unwarranted for a mere traffic infraction. Speaking to Local10 News, she remarked, "Immigrants are under attack now more than ever."
Federal Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost also criticized the incident, describing Zapata as “the latest victim of Trump administration's kidnapping,” highlighting that his family has had no contact with him since April 1.
State Senator Shevrin Jones weighed in, questioning the message being sent to students who are complying with the law and trying to do the right thing. As reported by Local10 News, he urged authorities to reconsider these procedures and called for a bipartisan immigration reform to prevent criminalizing individuals who are legally present.
Local media following the case reported that Zapata's name did not appear in ICE's public database, exacerbating concerns for his family and advocates. Immigration attorney Natalia Gaviria, consulted by Univision, clarified that Felipe was not out of status at the time of his arrest. She explained, "For F1 cases, as long as the person is studying, even if their visa stamp has expired, they are in status."
Other Recent Cases Highlight ICE Controversies
Felipe's situation is not isolated. Victor Manuel Izquierdo, a Cuban resident in Florida, was detained on his birthday after attending a migration appointment despite having a pending marriage-based residency application and a clean record.
Another case sparking outrage involved José Francisco García Rodríguez, a 73-year-old Cuban detained in Louisiana after living in the U.S. for over 45 years. Despite efforts to regularize his status, ICE arrested him without warning on his way to work.
Additionally, José Gregorio González, a Venezuelan accompanying his brother to a dialysis appointment, was detained by ICE. He intended to donate a kidney and was held for nearly a month before being released on humanitarian grounds.
In California, a 22-year-old Hispanic woman experienced a panic attack after ICE agents confronted her outside her home following a school drop-off. Although a legal resident, the incident affected her emotional and work stability, according to her testimony.
Meanwhile, in Boston, a judge held an ICE agent in contempt for arresting a Dominican migrant during a court hearing. The judge denounced the arrest as an affront to justice, ordering a review of the involved prosecutors' conduct.
Implications of ICE Detentions on International Students
What led to Felipe Zapata Velásquez's detention by ICE?
Felipe Zapata Velásquez was detained by ICE following a traffic violation in Gainesville for driving with an expired license. The incident escalated when ICE agents took him into custody due to the infraction on his record.
How have legislators responded to Zapata’s detention?
Legislators such as State Representative Yvonne Hinson and Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost have criticized the severity of the action taken against Zapata, calling it an attack on immigrants and urging reconsideration of such procedures.
Are there other similar cases involving ICE detentions?
Yes, there have been several recent cases where ICE's actions have been questioned, including the detentions of Victor Manuel Izquierdo, José Francisco García Rodríguez, and José Gregorio González, each raising significant public and legal concerns.