Baltimore Judge Orders Release of Mother Detained by ICE Near School

BALTIMORE — A Baltimore judge has ruled that Adriana Gavilan Sanchez, a mother detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), must be released from custody. Judge Matthew J. Maddox issued the order following a petition for a Writ of Habeas Corpus.

Sanchez had been held at the Caroline Detention Facility in Bowling Green, Virginia, since her arrest on June 12, which occurred outside Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle School. The judge mandated her release by 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

The incident leading to her detention involved her husband, Jesus, who ICE alleges refused lawful commands and resisted arrest, resulting in a chaotic scene near the school. ICE officials stated that Jesus fled to the area of the school after a previous encounter with agents in April.

However, Baltimore City Public Schools officials have disputed ICE's account of the events, stating there was no coordination with ICE during the incident. Sherry Christian, a spokesperson for the school system, expressed concerns about ICE's characterization of the situation, noting that staff and families reported conflicting details.

According to the family's legal representatives, the incident began when an armed individual approached them after a visit to a local Dunkin' Donuts. They allege that Jesus, fearing for their safety, attempted to escape, which led to the confrontation with ICE agents.

During the encounter, the family claims that Jesus was forcibly removed from their vehicle, resulting in injuries. They also reported that Adriana was threatened with violence by an ICE agent during the arrest.

Following the incident, the couple's children were placed in the care of a relative, while Jesus remains in ICE custody at the Farmville Detention Facility in Virginia.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR-2 News (source).