A video that has been viewed by thousands online shows 29-year-old Noe Serrano Valdivia being arrested at Cleveland Immigration Court on Thursday. He and his counsel don’t know why.
Jose Juarez, an immigration attorney, is assisting Valdivia in his fight to stay in the United States. He stated that Valdivia first came to the United States seeking asylum after being persecuted for his political beliefs and sexual orientation.
Valdivia was granted release in 2023, but a judge concluded that he is removable and ordered him to file a new asylum application by December.
“They gave him permission to enter the United States,” Juarez told the reporter. “They granted him permission to seek refuge. He showed up to all of his hearings. And then today, out of nowhere, they say, “You know what?” We’ll just detain him.”
The two were exiting the courtroom when they were approached by three ICE operatives disguised in civilian attire. Juarez stated he and Valdivia attempted to enter the elevator but were stopped by one of the ICE officers.
Juarez stated that ICE personnel did not produce an arrest warrant before handcuffing Valdivia.
“I start recording and ask, ‘Where’s the arrest warrant?'” Who are you purportedly here for? The next thing you know, they are arrested. They placed them in handcuffs. “They don’t take them down the elevator, but down some side steps to the 12th floor,” Juarez explained.
Spectrum News 1 contacted the Cleveland Immigration Court and ICE for comment but has yet to hear back.
If ICE authorities suspect an individual is in violation of US immigration laws, they can arrest them without a warrant.
Juarez stated that Valdivia had no criminal background.
“Most people who are jailed nowadays have a criminal record and must follow the criminal procedure. Individuals who have been here for less than two years are subject to accelerated removal,” Juarez stated. “We’re way over the two years for that rule to apply.”
Valdivia, who is being held at the Northeast Ohio Correctional Center, stated over the phone that he has yet to be notified why he was arrested or how long he will be detained.
“The people who met me here have already been waiting there for three or four months,” Valdivia told reporters.
And the arrest affects more than simply Valdivia.
He has been living with his aunt since arriving in the country. She is also seeking asylum and has requested to remain nameless due to safety concerns.
“Well, I see it as super unfair that we go to court and that when we leave the court comes, that migration grabs us and takes us like we are criminals,” she told me. “We’re not that. We are striving to stay in this nation, do our best, survive, and support our family.”
While Juarez has defended scores of cases in court, he says they are now facing new uncertainties.
“We’ve still got to show up,” Juarez remarked. “We still need to pursue our case because we have a solid one. However, you must understand that there is a danger that ICE will be present and hold you for reasons unknown.
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