Stop Unjust Detentions: Protect Iowa Families from ICE Abuses

I'm writing to make sure you are aware of what has been happening in our community regarding immigration enforcement and how it is affecting Iowa families. These are not rumors or vague claims — these are well-documented events that have taken place in our state in recent weeks. On July 1, Pascual Pedro, a 20-year-old from West Liberty, was detained at his routine ICE check-in in Cedar Rapids. Pascual had no criminal record, had just graduated from West Liberty High School, and worked in his grandfather’s siding business. He had followed every requirement asked of him. Despite that, he was deported to Guatemala less than a week later — without a hearing, without an explanation to his family, and without the opportunity to make his case before a judge. Shortly afterward, Noel Lopez, a 23-year-old from Muscatine who has lived in Iowa almost his entire life, was taken into ICE custody after a traffic stop. He was not charged with any crime — he was a passenger in the vehicle and not responsible for what was found. Still, he now sits in detention and faces the same risk Pascual did: being removed from his home and his community with no chance to defend himself. On September 2, a large crowd gathered outside the federal courthouse in Cedar Rapids to demand answers and accountability for what happened to Pascual and to call for Noel’s release. Though I wasn’t there in person, I followed the event closely through firsthand accounts, video footage, and organizer updates. It’s clear that these cases are not isolated — they reflect a pattern of quiet, expedited enforcement that is ripping families apart. These young men are not threats. They are Iowans. They’ve grown up here, worked here, and contributed to our communities. Their families, friends, and neighbors are standing up for them, and I am too. I urge you to take action: 1 Look into the details of Pascual Pedro’s deportation and explain how such a thing was allowed to happen without a hearing or due process. 2 Use your position to ensure that Noel Lopez is treated fairly, has access to legal support, and is not quietly deported. 3 Push for oversight and restraint in how ICE operates in Iowa — because this isn’t safety, it’s harm. Thank you for reading. I hope you’ll use your position to protect our communities and stand up for the values of fairness, transparency, and human dignity.