Livermore man arrested by ICE agents as family, protestors demand action

(KRON) — A Livermore family is looking for answers after they say their father and husband was arrested by ICE agents last week in San Francisco and now faces deportation.

Dozens of people joined the family in a large protest on Wednesday evening in Livermore, demanding the federal government send Miguel Lopez back to his family.

Family members tell KRON4 that Lopez has lived in Livermore for years while working at a local vineyard. They say Lopez was illegally detained while working on his citizenship.

Rosa Lopez, Miguel’s wife, says most of the protestors at the demonstration know Miguel.

“He called me to tell me to call his attorney and that he was being detained,” recalls Lopez. “I broke down. I just couldn’t believe it, that we were going to not see him or him coming home. If you were to meet Miguel, you would be his friend right away. He’s a hardworking guy. A loveable husband, father and grandfather.”

Local teacher Betsy Wilson, who organized the protest, currently teaches Miguel’s youngest son.

“The system’s broken, and he has tried, and he’s been following the rules and doing everything that the judges have told him to do, and he just keeps running into roadblocks,” says Wilson. “Miguel works a lot of long hours to provide for his family. Amazing grandfather and husband to his family. He’s not the type of person who should be sent away. He needs to be with his family.”

As cars honked in support, protesters believe it may be an uphill battle. There have been reports of ice arrests in San Jose, and ICE agents detaining people right outside immigration courts in San Francisco.

“There isn’t much we can do these days, and this is something that we could do,” adds Wilson.

For now, Rosa is determined that she will bring her husband home.

“[I told him] that I loved him and to be patient and that I promise I’m going to bring him home,” says Lopez.

KRON4 reached out to the local ICE officials for comment about this particular arrest, but we did not hear back in time for this report.