Yolanda Pérez Magallón, a 50-year-old immigrant who was detained on February 24 by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, was finally released this Tuesday after a judge granted her a bail of $1,500.
Her arrest sparked outrage and protests in Los Angeles, as Yolanda is the primary caregiver for her 21-year-old daughter, Xitlali Tejeda, who suffers from aggressive bone cancer.
Mother and daughter embraced in an emotional hug after the woman was freed.
"A great happiness, on one hand, because I am now with my daughter to take care of her, but on the other hand, I am still sad, because my son is still locked up there and I don't know what will happen to him," Yolanda said in statements to Univision after being released.
"They were the worst days of my life because she needs me a lot and I was doing nothing. It was really hard, honestly," he added.
During her first immigration hearing last week, Pérez's attorney emphasized the urgency of her release, highlighting that her daughter relies on her for daily tasks such as feeding, bathing, and moving around.
In response, the judge determined that Pérez could be released on minimal bail, taking into account her family situation.
The judge ruled that Pérez must reside in the same location where she was arrested and request authorization from ICE if she plans to move.
However, the government attorney referred to a possible escape attempt, an argument that the judge dismissed considering the woman's family situation.
The government lawyer announced that he will appeal the decision, which could lead to new legal developments.
The arrest of Yolanda
Yolanda Magallón Pérez, mother of three children, was arrested in El Monte, east of Los Angeles, in an operation that also led to the capture of her eldest son, Jonathan Tejeda.
Magallón's arrest was captured on video by neighborhood residents and by his own son.
In the images, Yolanda could be seen handcuffed while Jonathan reassured her with a supportive message: “Everything is fine, you haven't done anything.”
The woman, visibly distressed, replied: "But they're going to take me away."
Jonathan, who was also arrested during the operation, has a criminal record, although his family claims that he has already served his sentence and is currently the primary breadwinner for the household.
Although Yolanda has a misdemeanor for theft from 2005, her criminal record is practically clean, which has raised questions about the selectivity in the enforcement of immigration policies.
The immigrant community in California has reacted with outrage to the detention of Magallón.
Groups of activists and pro-immigrant organizations organized protests outside the Otay Mesa detention center and demanded their immediate release.
Even Los Angeles Mayor, Karen Bass, expressed concern about the case and offered financial support to the family to prevent Yolanda's children from becoming homeless.
Frequently Asked Questions about the case of Yolanda Pérez Magallón and ICE immigration policies
Why was Yolanda Pérez Magallón arrested by ICE?
Yolanda Pérez Magallón was arrested by ICE during an operation in El Monte, California, despite having a nearly clean criminal record, with only a misdemeanor for theft committed in 2005. Her arrest sparked outrage because she is the primary caregiver for her daughter Xitlali, who has cancer.
How did Yolanda's arrest impact her daughter Xitlali?
The arrest of Yolanda Pérez Magallón had a significant impact on her daughter, as Xitlali relies on her mother to carry out daily tasks due to her bone cancer and limited mobility. During the time her mother was detained, Xitlali struggled to feed herself and maintain her hygiene.
What measures were taken to free Yolanda Pérez Magallón?
The judge handling Yolanda's case determined that she could be released on a bail of $1,500 due to her critical family situation. Furthermore, it was established that Pérez must reside in the same location where she was arrested and seek authorization from ICE if she plans to move.
What reactions did Yolanda's arrest generate in the community?
The arrest of Yolanda Pérez Magallón sparked outrage and protests within the immigrant community in California. Activist groups and pro-immigrant organizations demanded her immediate release, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass offered financial support to the family to prevent Yolanda's children from becoming homeless.
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