Mario René López, a U.S. citizen, has spoken out about the dire conditions he endured while detained for three years in ICE facilities in Virginia. Despite his legal status, the government attempted to deport him during this time.
López became a U.S. citizen as a teenager through derivative citizenship following his mother's naturalization. He was recently released following a judge's ruling and shared his ordeal in an interview with Telemundo.
According to the report, López was born in El Salvador but gained U.S. citizenship at age 16 when his mother became a naturalized citizen, a process referred to as “derivative citizenship.”
The situation was not without precedent; in 2009, while serving a prison sentence, it was acknowledged by the government that López was a citizen. However, the Telemundo report highlights that in January 2023, despite having committed no crimes, ICE detained him and actively sought to deport him over the following three years.
Ultimately, López was freed after a judicial decision. He was at home in Alexandria, Virginia, when he recounted his experience to Telemundo.
During his detention, López was held in the Farmville and Caroline detention centers, both in Virginia. He described the environment as overcrowded and marked by what he called “sadness.”
In his account, López mentioned that many detainees, including himself, were in need of medical attention, which was inadequately provided. He cited instances such as detainees suffering from hernias without receiving proper care.
The ruling from the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals that halted his deportation also clarified the interpretation of derivative citizenship for individuals born in countries like El Salvador, potentially providing a precedent for similar cases.
His attorney, Benjamin Osorio, mentioned two main actions going forward: obtaining a formal citizenship certificate as evidence and filing a lawsuit against the government for the unwarranted detention, arguing that ICE “has no right” to detain U.S. citizens. They also intend to seek compensation for the time López was improperly held.
After his release, López expressed gratitude to his lawyers and family, acknowledging the loss of time but determined to start anew. He aims to return to his work as an electrician and reconnect with his family. During his confinement, López also focused on writing music, which he now hopes to record and share as part of his message.
The Telemundo report places López's case within a broader context, noting that, according to official figures cited, there are currently over 70,000 immigrants detained in facilities across the United States.
FAQs about ICE Detention and Citizenship Issues
What is derivative citizenship?
Derivative citizenship is a form of citizenship granted to the children of a naturalized U.S. citizen. It allows minors to automatically become citizens when their parent completes the naturalization process.
Why was Mario René López detained by ICE despite being a U.S. citizen?
Although López was a U.S. citizen through derivative citizenship, ICE mistakenly detained him, attempting to deport him due to an oversight or misunderstanding of his citizenship status.
What are the implications of the court ruling for others in similar situations?
The court's decision clarifies the application of derivative citizenship, which may assist others facing similar legal challenges by providing a legal precedent for their cases.