Hispanics Had Valid Work Permits and Driver’s Licenses—Yet They Ended Up Detained!

Immigrants detained despite having valid documents

Arrested on the way to work

Asylum pending, freedom denied

Two young Hispanic men with valid driver’s licenses, current work permits, and pending asylum cases have remained detained in Florida since January 16, after being arrested while on their way to work.

The case has sparked outrage among family members and community advocates, who denounce what they consider an unjust and arbitrary detention, despite both individuals having their immigration documents in order.

Two Young Immigrants Detained Despite Having Valid Immigration Documents

Immigrants Detained Despite Valid Documents – PHOTO: Gofundme

What Happened

According to testimony from their mother, Lolimar Sánchez, the events occurred on the morning of Friday, January 16, at 7:45 a.m., when her sons were traveling to work in St. Augustine.

She explains that the young men were stopped at exit 318 of the highway after officers claimed the vehicle was traveling at a low speed and obstructing traffic.

However, the situation quickly escalated once officers reviewed their immigration documents, even though they were valid and law-compliant.

“When the officers saw that the driver’s licenses were temporary, they told them they were going to be detained because they did not have valid immigration status—even though they had valid licenses, current work permits, and pending immigration proceedings,” Lolimar explains.

Both men are currently being held at the Baker County Detention Center, far from their family and without the ability to continue their immigration cases while free.

Valid Immigration Documents, Yet Detained

Lolimar insists that the detention lacks legal basis, as her sons met all the requirements set by authorities.

“It is important to note that both are in pending asylum processes and have valid identification documents. Their detention was completely unjust and arbitrary. We are doing everything possible to help them get out of this situation as soon as possible,” she says.

The mother also emphasizes that her sons pose no risk to society.

“They are two upright, professional individuals who represent no danger to society… they only want to pursue their dreams and face their immigration processes in freedom.”

Fundraising to Confront the Detention

Faced with the high legal and administrative costs of the process, Lolimar decided to launch a campaign on GoFundMe, where she explains the situation in detail and requests financial support to help address her sons’ detention at the hands of ICE.

“Hello, my name is Lolimar Sanchez. I am raising funds to help my two sons with the costs of the detention process they are currently facing. Let me briefly explain,” she writes in the campaign description.

In the text, she again stresses that her sons were arrested while on their way to work, despite having valid immigration documents.

“My two sons were unjustly detained on Friday, January 16 at 7:45 a.m. while going to their jobs in St. Augustine… even though they had valid driver’s licenses, current work permits, and pending immigration processes.”

A Call for Solidarity

Lolimar concludes her message by appealing to the community’s solidarity so her sons can continue their lives without being deprived of their freedom while awaiting an immigration resolution.

“Help me make that possible. I thank you in advance. God bless you.”

The case once again brings to light the uncertainty faced by thousands of immigrants—even those with valid documentation—and the impact such detentions have on families whose only goal is to work and regularize their status in the United States.