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Jeff Gammage

@jeffgammage.bsky.social
453 followers 158 following 73 posts

I cover immigration at The Philadelphia Inquirer. Pulitzer Prize winner. Author, "China Ghosts." All things Beatles.

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Reposted by Jeff Gammage
Joe Yerardi @joeyerardi.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
ICE arrests surge at Philly airport, including those of a babysitter and a senior citizen, by @jeffgammage.bsky.social share.inquirer.com/P4ECvD
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ICE arrests surge at Philly airport, including those of a babysitter and a senior citizen
The Department of Homeland Security said President Trump is reversing policies that let undocumented immigrants "jet around our country."
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Via @inquirer.com
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ICE wants to deport a Philly man who has lived legally in the U.S. for 20 years. He fled Guinea after being jailed by the government.
Mamadou Fadel Cherif had been jailed in his native Guinea for protesting the 1998 presidential election, then fled to the U.S.
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Reposted by Jeff Gammage
Abraham Gutman @abgutman.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
It used to be "unheard of" for ICE to detain immigrants during required check-ins at agency's Philadelphia office. Now those kind of arrests are routine. Three immigrants sued ICE and DHS over the policy change that allowed the proliferation of these arrests. With @jeffgammage.bsky.social. 🎁🔗
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A lawsuit challenges arrests of immigrants who come to Philly’s ICE office for routine appointments
The lawsuit says a policy change by ICE in Philadelphia was unlawful, and turned arrests of immigrants during routine check-ins from an "unheard of" occurrence to a routine practice.
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
In Pa ...
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Judge temporarily bars ICE from deporting man who helped police investigate his daughter’s shooting death
Erasmo Zavala Almanza was detained by ICE and could have been removed from the United States as early as Monday.
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Reposted by Jeff Gammage
Jon Feinberg @jonfeinberg.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
"We're going to deport the worst of the worst" was always a lie. Heartbreaking piece by @jeffgammage.bsky.social. share.inquirer.com/lsNWaE
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He helped police after his 20-year-old daughter was shot to death. Then ICE arrived at his door.
The grandfather is now in immigration detention and facing deportation to Mexico.
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Via @inquirer.com:
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He helped police after his 20-year-old daughter was shot to death. Then ICE arrived at his door.
The grandfather is now in immigration detention and facing deportation to Mexico.
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
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In the fight over birthright citizenship, the role of ‘birth tourism’ has become a key argument for the Trump administration
Critics say the practice misuses the guarantee of birthright citizenship and can foster immigration fraud.
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Reposted by Jeff Gammage
Stephen Stirling @sstirling.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
The Trump administration has repeatedly said the immigration crackdown is targeting violent felons. Data from the administration shows the opposite is true. With @jeffgammage.bsky.social www.inquirer.com/news/ice-imm...
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Via @inquirer.com
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Lehigh County ‘evicted ICE.’ Some say the move hurts human trafficking investigations.
An division of DHS owed Lehigh County $115,000 in rent, but local officials cared about more than the missed money.
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Reposted by Jeff Gammage
Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
In Philly, the ICE arrest of a witness sparks fresh concerns around courthouse enforcement. Via @inquirer.com
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A 76-year-old Indonesian man went to Philly court as a witness. He ended up in ICE custody.
“How can we call ourselves a ‘Welcoming City’ when people have to choose between taking part in a legal process and getting home safe?” one advocate asked.
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
In Philly, the ICE arrest of a witness sparks fresh concerns around courthouse enforcement. Via @inquirer.com
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A 76-year-old Indonesian man went to Philly court as a witness. He ended up in ICE custody.
“How can we call ourselves a ‘Welcoming City’ when people have to choose between taking part in a legal process and getting home safe?” one advocate asked.
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
In Philly, more opposition to ICE courthouse arrests. Via @inquirer.com
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Attorneys and immigration advocates: Philly courts and sheriff must end finger-pointing and work to stop ICE courthouse arrests
One person was arrested at the courthouse on Monday, the day before the coalition’s protest and news conference.
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Reposted by Jeff Gammage
Stephen Stirling @sstirling.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Local police, constable and sheriff's officers are now making immigration arrests on ICE's behalf in Pa., new data show. There are now 78 Pa. authorities who have agreements with ICE, up from 45 in December. These agreements are illegal in NJ. My latest with @jeffgammage.bsky.social
inquirer.com
More Pennsylvania police agencies are signing up to help ICE enforce immigration laws
Nationally, these types of alliances have helped produce 19,918 arrests since Trump was inaugurated in January 2025.
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Reposted by Jeff Gammage
Philadelphia Inquirer @inquirer.com · 24/03/2026
Are you waiting longer for the rideshare driver to show up? Or for that burger and fries to be delivered to your door? Does it all cost more? Here’s part of the reason: stricter immigration enforcement.
inquirer.com
Philly’s gig economy runs on immigrant workers. Now that labor pool is shrinking amid tougher ICE enforcement.
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Reposted by Jeff Gammage
Joe Yerardi @joeyerardi.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
In the first nine months of Trump's term, thousands of Philly-area immigrants have been transported to ICE facilities thousands of miles from their families, communities and attorneys. @jeffgammage.bsky.social and I on the people caught up in the massive deportation dragnet share.inquirer.com/wP2WJd
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For Philly-area immigrants, an ICE arrest can take them thousands of miles from home. Some say that’s by design.
In detentions involving nearly 20,000 transfers, some immigrants were sent hundreds or even thousands of miles, far from attorneys, family members, and support networks.
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
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More county and local governments are banning ICE from using their property. Philly could be next to act.
Across the country, many Democrat-led jurisdictions are pushing back against the ICE surge in enforcement
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
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In Philly, the site of an ICE arrest is (un)officially marked with a fake historic sign
Video recordings circulating on-line show ICE agents in tactical vests marked “police” approaching the delivery-driver’s car.
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Reposted by Jeff Gammage
Philadelphia Inquirer @inquirer.com · 03/03/2026
In efforts to disrupt U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement agents at work, the whistle has become an instrument of choice.
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In efforts to disrupt ICE, the whistle has become an instrument of choice
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Via @inquirer.com
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Immigrants are the ‘only reason’ Philly’s population is growing, analysis says
“Given the stakes,” the analysis said, “getting immigration policy right isn’t optional ― it’s existential.”
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
Via @inquirer.com
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As ICE enforcement intensifies, one man works to keep undocumented families fed in Bensalem
“We don’t have to choose between risking ourselves and feeding our children," said one man who depends on the deliveries.
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
In Philly, via @inquirer.com
inquirer.com
‘Courage is contagious.’ How Philadelphia churches and neighborhood groups are preparing to confront ICE.
People say they need to be ready if the president tries to turn Philadelphia into Minneapolis ― or Los Angeles, Chicago, or Washington, D.C.
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Reposted by Jeff Gammage
Roger Parloff @rparloff.bsky.social · 27/09/2025
Abrego Garcia has been transferred from ICE's Farmville, VA, facility to Moshannon in Phillipsburg, PA, to improve facilities for legal visits. Abrego reports a hanging at Moshannon last month, cites assaults, inadequate medical care, insufficient food. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
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lawliberg @lawliberg.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
CHOP is one of the best children's hospitals in the nation and is ranked 2nd for pediatric cancer treatment by US News. A patient with brain cancer who is a US citizen will have to face an uncertain future in Bolivia because of the relentless drive to deport his father by @jeffgammage.bsky.social
Merida Aguilara had been a main caregiver for his son, Jair, who has been treated at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and whose future is now deeply uncertain. Quality healthcare can be lacking in Bolivia, where the U.S. State Department warns that "hospitals cannot handle serious conditions."Jair cries inconsolably every time he sees or hears his father on the phone, asking why his dad can't be home, Morales Antezana said.
All three children were born in this country and are U.S. citizens by law.
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Reposted by Jeff Gammage
Philadelphia Inquirer @inquirer.com · 23/01/2026
Despite community support and legal efforts, the detained immigrant father of a 5-year-old son with brain cancer has decided to drop efforts to stay in the United States and accept deportation to Bolivia.
inquirer.com
‘He reached his limit.’ Immigrant father of 5-year-old with brain cancer accepts deportation to Bolivia after months in ICE detention.
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
In Philly.
inquirer.com
‘He reached his limit.’ Immigrant father of 5-year-old with brain cancer accepts deportation to Bolivia after months in ICE detention.
His wife and three American-citizen children will also go, voluntarily, leaving their home in Northeast Philadelphia.
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
inquirer.com
Disabled Delaware immigrant ordered back to Ecuador at climactic hearing on Tuesday
His case drew support from Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer, who wrote to the judge that it would be “cruel” and “egregious” to deliver the Seaford resident to gang violence in his homeland
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
ICE arrests at the Philly courthouse have surged past 100 ...
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Judicial district says decisions on ICE presence at Philly courthouse are the sheriff’s ‘sole responsibility’
The presence of ICE in and around the Criminal Justice Center has provoked controversy, as activists insist the sheriff has let the agency to turn the property into a 'hunting ground'
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Reposted by Jeff Gammage
Philadelphia Inquirer @inquirer.com · 09/01/2026
The Trump administration has sought to enforce old deportation orders, and what were once routine meetings with federal authorities have become risky for immigrants, advocates say.
inquirer.com
An Indonesian man was deported on Christmas after being arrested at a routine immigration appointment in Philly
The Trump administration has sought to enforce old deportation orders, and what were once routine meetings with federal authorities have become risky for immigrants, advocates say.
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Reposted by Jeff Gammage
Adam Sawyer @adamjst.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
Good article on the Philly federal judge response to the madness of mandatory detention. By @jeffgammage.bsky.social Gift link. share.inquirer.com/r6Mh1q
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In dozens of cases, Philly’s federal judges have found Trump’s mandatory detention policy unlawful
The pushback has added to a chorus of similar decisions in federal courts nationwide.
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
inquirer.com
A disabled Ecuadorian immigrant tried to flag down an ICE officer. Now he faces deportation.
As President Donald Trump pursues an unprecedented mass-deportation campaign, more migrants have been subjected to mandatory detention.
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
inquirer.com
More than 65,000 immigrants are being held in federal detention, a big increase from when Trump took office
"They are dead serious about moving as many people out of the country as possible, and keeping them detained while they do it," said Philly immigration attorney Jonah Eaton.
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Reposted by Jeff Gammage
Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
ICE arrests at the Philly courthouse ...
inquirer.com
Immigration advocates say Philly courthouse has become a ‘hunting ground’ for ICE. They want agents barred from the building.
The courthouse has become a focus of enforcement and resistance as President Trump presses his tough deportation agenda.
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
ICE arrests at the Philly courthouse ...
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Immigration advocates say Philly courthouse has become a ‘hunting ground’ for ICE. They want agents barred from the building.
The courthouse has become a focus of enforcement and resistance as President Trump presses his tough deportation agenda.
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
In Philly - and elsewhere. Via @inquirer.com
inquirer.com
He showed up for what he thought was a routine appointment in Philly. ICE was waiting for him.
Immigrants who have ongoing legal or visa cases have been unexpectedly taken, part of what advocates say is a Trump administration strategy to boost arrests and deportations
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
In a key Philly collar county ...
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Bucks sheriff-elect Danny Ceisler says he’ll act quickly to end controversial ICE alliance
The incumbent sheriff had defended his decision to assist ICE, insisting it would make residents safer and even potentially bring new funding and police equipment to the county.
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
inquirer.com
Four people arrested during contentious immigration protest outside Philly ICE office
The protest unfolded amid reports that the Trump administration plans to make dramatic changes in local-level ICE leadership.
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
inquirer.com
Going green: Why frogs are appearing at ICE protests
Demonstrators in big, green inflatable costumes have grown from a curiosity to a symbol of resistance to the Trump administration
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 26/10/2025
A day for family members with paws ...
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Before the Day of the Dead, a time to welcome departed dogs and cats as families create ‘pet ofrendas’
In Philly and elsewhere, people have begun to recognize not just human relatives but those with wings and whiskers, said to return on Oct. 27 as part of the Day of the Dead.
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
inquirer.com
Protesters rally outside Philly ICE office as Catholics launch ‘One Church, One Family’ campaign for immigrants
A second day of prayer is set for Nov. 13, to coincide with the feast of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, an Italian immigrant who became the first U.S. citizen to be declared a saint.
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 18/10/2025
inquirer.com
Montco activists who track ICE on social media say the agency is trying to unlawfully expose members of its group
The suit comes as tech companies have granted other requests by the Trump administration to take down or limit content regarding ICE operations.
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 12/10/2025
In Philly ...
inquirer.com
He was caring for his 5-year-old son with brain cancer. Then he was detained by ICE.
A court has temporarily blocked Johny Merida Aguilar's deportation to Bolivia.
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
Near Philly:
inquirer.com
A settlement over ICE in Bucks? Judge pushes lawyers on the sheriff’s plan to have deputies enforce immigration laws
Agreements with ICE enable local authorities to help the agency identify, arrest, and deport immigrants.
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 14/09/2025
ICE-police partnerships are rapidly expanding in PA and around the country.
inquirer.com
More and more Pennsylvania police agencies are partnering with ICE
The partnerships come through a controversial ICE initiative called 287(g), named for a section of a 1996 immigration act
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
inquirer.com
ICE detainee found hanging in Moshannon shower room, was awaiting immigration hearing, officials say
Chaofeng Ge, a Chinese national, had been in ICE custody for five days and was awaiting an immigration hearing, officials said.
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
inquirer.com
Philadelphia stays on the Trump administration’s new, dramatically shorter list of sanctuary jurisdictions
While Philadelphia appears on the Trump administration's latest list of sanctuary jurisdictions, the collar counties surrounding the city are now noticeably absent.
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 03/08/2025
As Trump movies against sanctuary cities … Via @inquirer.com
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‘The last thing that is protecting my dignity.’ A South Philly mother talks about life under sanctuary.
As Trump moves against sanctuary cities, one undocumented mother in Philadelphia worries what the future holds for her.
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
Just outside of Philly …
inquirer.com
‘We are hiding on the roof. I love you.’ An ICE raid in Montco has left families bereft after 14 were arrested.
Immigration arrests have skyrocketed in the region, while most of those who are detained have no criminal record.
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
ICE arrests 14 at food market in Philly suburb. Via @inquirer.com
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ICE arrested 14 people at a Norristown-area food market. The Mexican consulate says it’s monitoring the situation.
“Norristown is under attack,” said an immigration activist group, saying that about 25 vehicles carrying ICE agents had rolled into the Montgomery County seat.
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 06/07/2025
Via @inquirer.com
inquirer.com
Freed from ICE detention in Pa., but thinking of the women still inside: ‘They are always going to be a part of me’
Andrea Lozano-Alanis says she's fighting not just for herself, but for others, people who entered the U.S. with big hopes but no permission.
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Jeff Gammage @jeffgammage.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
www.inquirer.com/news/montgom...
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Undocumented mother at center of Montco detention policy freed as criminal charges are dismissed
Andrea Lozano-Alanis was released from an ICE detention center in central Pennsylvania on Tuesday evening, advocates said.
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