Bowling Green, Virginia – Mario René López, a United States citizen who has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), shares his heart-wrenching experience of being locked up at the Caroline Detention Facility. Despite being a citizen since childhood, López finds himself separated from his family in a tough and unfamiliar environment.
Born in El Salvador and brought to the U.S. by his mother at the age of 12, López automatically acquired citizenship derived from his mother when she naturalized. However, a legal battle ensues as ICE detained López in 2023 and questioned his citizenship status based on his criminal history.
López’s mother, Floribel Lopez, firmly believes that her son is a citizen, stating that she provided all necessary documentation when she became a citizen. Despite facing challenges in proving his citizenship, López remains hopeful and determined to fight for his right to stay in the only country he calls home.
Over the years, López has faced legal hurdles as officials changed their position on his citizenship status, putting him at risk of deportation due to past criminal convictions. His case highlights the complexities faced by individuals seeking derivative citizenship and the potential consequences of legal and procedural barriers.
Amidst the uncertainty of his future, López’s attorney continues to advocate for his rights, including filing a petition for a writ of habeas corpus and seeking protection under the Convention Against Torture. Despite winning a favorable ruling in the Convention Against Torture case, López remains at risk of deportation to a country where he faces potential harm.
As López navigates the legal system in pursuit of justice, his family grapples with the emotional and financial toll of his detention. The Caroline Detention Facility, where López is held, has come under scrutiny for systemic failures in various areas, further adding to the stress and grievances of detainees like López.
The case of Mario René López sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals like him in asserting their citizenship rights and navigating the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. As his legal battle continues, López remains resilient in his fight to stay with his loved ones and reclaim his rightful place in the country he has called home for most of his life.