Mother Detained by ICE in Douglasville
A Metro Atlanta family reports that Marcela Jimenez Macias was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Douglasville following a traffic stop involving her husband.
According to Gilberto Medina, ICE stopped his car with his children on Friday, not far from their home. He stated that officers initially told him the issue did not involve him, but then asked him to call his wife to pick up the children because they did not want children left at the scene.
However, when Ms. Macias arrived, she was detained instead of Mr. Medina.
The family states the entire incident was recorded.
Mr. Medina said both he and his wife have valid work permits and moved to the U.S. from Mexico approximately three years ago. He believes his wife's previous citation for driving without a license last November might be related to her detention, even though the family had resolved the court case and completed their financial obligations.
The family now reports feeling worried and uncertain about the next steps.
What an Immigration Attorney Says
Immigration attorney Jamene Christian, who works in Atlanta (and is not directly involved in this case), stated that detention requires a judicial warrant. This warrant must have a specific name and a judge's signature. Individuals have the right to ask: "Am I being detained?"
She also advises families to record interactions, note down officers' names, and prepare a plan for responding to ICE encounters in advance.
Next Steps
The Mexican Consulate is working with Ms. Macias's family. Reporters have contacted ICE to request official information about the incident and are awaiting a response.
