Tucson family speaks out after being detained by ICE

kvoa.com · By Andrew Capasso

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) - Video footage has surfaced showing ICE agents taking three people into custody in Tucson. These individuals, who have been seeking asylum in the United States, are currently held at the Eloy Detention Center. They claim they were stopped by authorities, and despite presenting documents, they were detained.The incident occurred near Interstate 10 and 22nd Street. Tatiana, a woman involved in the traffic stop who wishes to go by her first name, described the events as unfolding rapidly."The turned on the lights - another car was following - then there were a lot more cars - one was in front - another in the back and on the side," Tatiana said.She was informed that the stop was part of a routine operation and questioned why they were stopped."They just said it was something routine and because of your physical appearance - they wanted to confirm we were of legal status," Tatiana said.She says she showed agents their REAL ID's, work authorization, and social security cards.Tucson Democratic Rep. Alma Hernandez, who lives nearby, has been actively involved in supporting the family and seeking answers."For me it's been incredibly disheartening to know this is happening in Tucson," Hernandez said.While Hernandez agrees with the administration's plan to deport those who have committed violent crimes, she believes this situation is different."There are the individuals we don't want on our streets - these are the people I don't want in my community," Hernandez said."What we are seeing now is not the people committing crimes being taken - they're people here during a legal process," Hernandez said.Tatiana expressed her concerns about the uncertainty her family is facing."I don't know how this ends - if they get deported - I'm worried about my brother - I'm worried about my mom," Tatiana said.News 4 Tucson reached out to ICE for comment regarding the stop and the family's claim about being targeted due to their appearance but has not received a response.