Judge Orders Release of Father Detained by ICE Outside Baltimore School

A Baltimore judge has ordered the release of Jesus Acevedo Sanchez, who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents outside Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle School on June 11. Judge Julie Rubin ruled that ICE did not have probable cause for the arrest and criticized the agency's tactics during the incident.

During a court hearing, Judge Rubin stated that the arrest was a violation of due process, noting that ICE officers failed to identify themselves and did not provide a reason for the stop. The judge ordered Acevedo Sanchez's release from the Farmville Detention Facility in Virginia by midnight on Friday.

ICE had initially claimed that Acevedo Sanchez resisted arrest and used his vehicle to evade law enforcement, but Judge Rubin found the government's arguments unpersuasive. She highlighted that Acevedo Sanchez entered the U.S. illegally in 2007 but had no criminal record.

As the court proceedings took place, Baltimore City Council members were discussing the implications of immigration enforcement on school grounds, prompted by Acevedo Sanchez's arrest, which is believed to be the first of its kind in Maryland. Council member Odette Ramos condemned the actions of ICE, stating that such arrests are unacceptable in schools.

Following the ruling, Acevedo Sanchez's attorneys expressed gratitude for the judge's decision and indicated they would inform him and his partner about the release.