Hundreds demand ICE release Daniel Medina

Militant/Edwin Fruit

SEATTLE — Chanting “Free Daniel, Free Daniel,” nearly 300 people gathered in front of the federal courthouse here demanding the release of Daniel Ramirez Medina Feb. 17. Medina had been picked up the previous week when Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents raided his home in Des Moines, Wash., looking for his father. Medina, 23, came to the U.S. when he was 7 years old and had been given authorization to live and work in the U.S. under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

In the midst of expanded deportation efforts aimed at undocumented workers by the new administration of President Donald Trump, officials have said DACA program participants will not face removal. Nevertheless, ICE agents arrested Medina, accusing him of being a gang member.

The judge refused to release Medina, saying he didn’t have jurisdiction over immigration courts. Medina is being held in the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma.

Some 150 people rallied in Tacoma two days later, demanding Medina’s release. Medina’s next hearing in federal court is set for March 8.

— EDWIN FRUIT