Summary
ICE detained Elias Perez-Zuazo, a Panamanian man, during what was expected to be a routine immigration check-in in Virginia. His husband, a U.S. citizen, had been helping him apply for a green card, and his detention has raised questions about the application process and legal proceedings.
Key Facts
- Elias Perez-Zuazo is a Panamanian national who was detained by ICE during a routine check-in.
- Perez-Zuazo and his husband, who is a U.S. citizen, are in the process of applying for a green card.
- ICE claims Perez-Zuazo crossed the U.S.-Mexico border illegally in November 2021.
- An immigration judge ordered his removal in 2021, according to ICE, but Perez-Zuazo’s lawyer disputes this.
- A federal judge has temporarily stopped Perez-Zuazo's removal from Virginia while reviewing the legality of his detention.
- ICE has been asked to justify Perez-Zuazo's detention and must respond by a set deadline.
- The couple married in February 2024 and had started the green card application process.
- Concerns have been raised about Perez-Zuazo’s safety if deported to Panama, where same-sex marriage is not legal.
