This is not a broken system.
It is a calculated perversion of the process. The machinery is not designed to evaluate asylum or protect the vulnerable. It is designed to punish. It is a trap built to consume the exact people who were told to trust the process.
This is exactly why the GoFundMe, the lawsuit, and the massive wave of support from press-freedom groups, the Latino community, and everyday people are exploding right now.
How you can help right now:
Donate or share the GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/prayers-and-support-for-estefanys-return
Follow the case live: Track docket 3:26-cv-00247 on CourtListener.
Keep sharing her story: A journalist who escaped threats overseas should never be silenced or deported for speaking the truth here.
“My wife, Estefany Rodriguez Florez, was arrested by ICE this morning, Wednesday, March 4. Although this situation does not make sense to us, we are currently doing everything possible to have her released as soon as possible and to resolve this as quickly as we can.
Estefany is an incredible woman who is deeply dedicated to both her work and her family. As a reporter for Nashville Noticias, she works tirelessly to inform and serve the community with passion. Beyond her reporting, she is always looking for ways to give back…
As a mother and wife, she is the greatest blessing in our lives. She is loving, attentive, and the heart of our home. Her happiest moments are often the simplest ones: cooking for our family or enjoying time together at home. Estefany supports every dream and effort in our household, and she truly is the soul of our family.
We ask for your prayers… and we also pray for all the families who are going through similar situations.”
ICE surrounded her wrapped news vehicle right after she dropped off her eight year old daughter.
She fled Colombia and was granted asylum because her journalism brought death threats from armed groups. Now she sits in the Etowah County Jail for doing the exact same thing. She reported on ICE operations for Nashville Noticias.
She had a valid work permit. She is married to a US citizen. She filed for her green card. She complied with every single deadline.
Today her legal team filed a reply in federal court for Case 3:26-cv-00247. The filing proves the government’s own warrant has a completely blank service section. The document appears crumpled in the court exhibits. It was never properly served.
This was a warrantless arrest. It is a clear Fourth Amendment violation.
