ICE Detains Woman in US for 17 Years Since Age 7 After Traffic Stop
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Giovanna Hernandez-Martinez, a 24-year-old Leeds, Alabama, resident and community advocate, was taken into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after a traffic stop by local police on the highway.
ICE records reviewed by Newsweek show that she is being held at the Richwood Correctional Center in Richwood, Louisiana.
Why it Matters
Hernandez-Martinez has been described by friends and family as a counselor and organizer who worked with immigrant youth. She arrived in the United States at age 7 and was raised in Alabama, ultimately graduating as valedictorian of her high school class and later earning both her bachelor's and master's degrees in social work. She has her own LLC and also works at Birmingham-based ¡HICA!, a nonprofit that advocates for immigrant families, according to her brother, Dilan Hernandez, who spoke to Alabama.com.
The Trump administration continues to strongly enforce its immigration-based agenda, which it has touted due to large-scale decreases in illegal migrant crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border since President Donald Trump came into office. The administration has faced pushback from portions of Americans who have questioned the tactics and end goals of such policies, including detaining and in some instances deporting non-violent and non-criminal immigrants.
Giovanna Hernandez-Martinez, a 24-year-old Leeds, Alabama, resident and community advocate, was taken into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after a traffic stop by local police on the highway.
Giovanna Hernandez-Martinez, a 24-year-old Leeds, Alabama, resident and community advocate, was taken into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after a traffic stop by local police on the highway.
CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images/Change.org
What To Know
Leeds Police, in an August 8 Facebook post that includes dash cam footage, said that an officer in an unmarked vehicle observed a "young lady, who only possessed a Mexico-Issued Identification," who "was traveling at least up to 91 mph as recorded on the dash video...weaving in and out of traffic and following too close."
"Also, the windows are darkly tinted on the Honda that she was driving," the post says. "We have a duty to protect the public and must stop individuals who are recklessly driving on our streets and highways. We would not have stopped her or had any idea of our immigration status if she would have been operating her vehicle safely."
Leeds Police Chief Paul Irwin issued a statement last Thursday claiming Hernandez-Martinez's vehicle "came within feet of striking other vehicles and erratically changed lanes."
Authorities said Hernandez-Martinez produced a Mexican identification card when asked for a driver's license, prompting federal immigration agents to arrive at the scene and take her into custody.
Newsweek reached out Irwin and the department via email for comment.
Irwin's recounting of events has been disputed by Hernandez-Martinez's family members, as well as Facebook users who commented on the police department's post and attached dash cam footage.
"On the dash cam it was obvious that wasn't the case at all," her brother, Dilan Hernandez, told Alabama.com. "My sister was speeding a little bit, but we feel that, under the circumstances, it wasn't fair at all."
Facebook user Emily Barfield commented the following under the video: "This is exactly the video I was expecting. Where's the erratic driving? Where did she almost hit multiple vehicles? I see her switching lanes, with a blinker, to get over when you're pulling her over. Yes, oh so erratic."
Newsweek reached out to Dilan via a GoFundMe contact form.
Petitions And Fundraisers
A Change.org petition "demanding the Release of Giovanna Hernandez" was started one week ago. As of Wednesday afternoon, it received more than 17,000 signatures.
"Gio has no criminal record," the petition reads. "She has spent years working toward lawful permanent residency but, like many others, has faced systemic barriers and even been scammed during the process. Her detainment is not only legally questionable—it is morally wrong.
"This is personal for us. Giovanna is not just a name. She is our friend, colleague, mentor, and inspiration. She represents everything we want in a citizen: integrity, compassion, hard work, and a deep love for her community. Deporting her would be a grave injustice not just to her, but to all of us who believe in fairness, opportunity, and human dignity."
A GoFundMe was started six days ago by Dilan Hernandez, raising nearly $33,500 as of Wednesday afternoon.
A post in a "Class of 2017" Facebook group includes former high school colleagues of hers coming to her defense.
Shelby Luna, who said in the post she graduated one year before Hernandez-Martinez, said she graduated twice from Jacksonville State University—"both times with an exceptional GPA." She also served as a campus ambassador, resident assistant, and active participant in Delight Ministries, El Latido, and many other campus organizations and events.
What People Are Saying
Gina Martinez, the mother of Giovanna Hernandez Martinez, on Sunday to Alabama.com and aided by a translator: "I worry, if the judge does not set the bond hearing and up until the court date, and, obviously, she does get sent back to Mexico. All of our family is here, all of her siblings, she has built her education here, she has all of her friends here."
Dilan Hernandez on his sister's GoFundMe page: "Not only is she an impeccable woman with a strong moral character, but she is also a distinguished professional. ... She takes pride in advocating for her community, and those without a voice. Now, its our turn to use our voices to fight for her and defend her."
Carlos E. Alemán, CEO of ¡HICA!, in an August 7 statement calling for Hernandez-Martinez's release: "Giovanna is not only a trusted community partner, she is a role model. She brings purpose and heart to everything she does. Her contributions have touched families and young people throughout Alabama, and her detention is a painful loss for the entire community."
What Happens Next
Hernandez-Martinez is scheduled to appear in court on August 20, when her legal team and family are expected to seek bond. ICE custody and detention decisions and the court process will determine whether she remains detained or is released pending proceedings.
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