IOWA CITY, Iowa — An immigration judge has denied bond to Felipe de Jesus Hernandez Marcelo, 28, who has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since he sought police assistance after being shot in Iowa. Hernandez entered the U.S. illegally in 2021 from Mexico.
Hernandez has been in ICE custody since June 24, shortly after two assailants shot him during a robbery attempt in Muscatine, Iowa. Following his recovery, he initiated a visa application under a special program designed to shield victims of crimes from deportation.
However, a rescission of protective policies by ICE earlier this year has put many victims at risk of arrest and deportation in an intensified crackdown on illegal immigration.
After the incident, Hernandez attempted to reclaim his belongings at the police station but was arrested due to outstanding traffic warrants, leading to his transfer to ICE.
During his detention, Hernandez has missed crucial medical appointments needed to rehabilitate his leg, has been separated from his nine-year-old son, and has lost his construction job that supported his family.
A preliminary bond hearing concluded with Judge Alexandra Larsen ruling against Hernandez's release, citing the speculative nature of his visa eligibility and potential flight risks due to previous legal violations. His attorney, Emily Rebelskey, vowed to continue fighting for his release.
The case highlights broader issues in immigration policy, especially regarding the treatment of crime victims and the challenges they face amidst enforcement actions.
