Dozens of supporters gathered in Wendell, North Carolina, on Saturday to demand the release of Fatima Issela Velasquez-Antonio, who has been detained by immigration agents since November 19. Nearly 100 attendees braved the cold weather to rally in the town square, calling for her immediate release from a detention center in Georgia. Velasquez-Antonio’s case has drawn significant attention, particularly after a judge recently denied her bond.
Family members, friends, and local officials participated in the rally, expressing their solidarity with Velasquez-Antonio. Her uncle, Gene Smith, shared his feelings of hope following the event. “After just seeing all these people today, it made me feel good about the community,” he stated, reflecting the collective sentiment.
Bryan Sanchez, Velasquez-Antonio’s boyfriend, expressed gratitude for the widespread support from the community, including those who may not know her personally. “I am so thankful for everyone who came out today, for all the incredible, kindhearted people. This is what America is,” he said.
Velasquez-Antonio, who immigrated to the United States at the age of 14, fled violence and loss in her native Honduras. After losing her mother to cancer and her father to gang violence, she sought refuge in the U.S. Her lawyer asserts that she holds no criminal record beyond minor traffic violations and has been permitted to remain in the country while her asylum case is under review.
Sanchez described Velasquez-Antonio as “honest, noble, and loving,” emphasizing her strong work ethic and dedication to helping others. He revealed that he had intended to propose to her this year but had to divert his savings for an engagement ring towards legal fees for her defense. “My dream with her is to create our family together, to live in the home we just bought, and start our family in this community,” he explained.
Local elected officials also spoke at the rally, including Rep. Deborah Ross, who underscored the need for greater transparency regarding the operations of Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “This is a call coming from both sides of the aisle,” she asserted, noting that accountability has been demanded by several lawmakers, including Senator Thom Tillis and other representatives from the region.
The family of Velasquez-Antonio is currently awaiting news of her next bond hearing, which could bring them one step closer to her return home. The community remains hopeful that their efforts will make a difference in her case and in the broader conversation about immigration enforcement practices.
