Giovanna Hernandez makes first statement since being arrested in Alabama

LEEDS, Ala. (WIAT) — Giovanna Hernandez, a graduate of Jacksonville State University who was detained by ICE after an August traffic stop in Leeds and is now with family in Mexico, turned to Facebook Tuesday to make a statement thanking those who have been supporting her.

Hernandez, 24, came to the U.S. with her younger brother when she was seven, according to her attorney, Allen Shabani. She graduated as valedictorian from Leeds High School, later earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from JSU. According to her brother, Dilan Hernandez, she had recently been working with HICA as an immigration advocate.

Her statement reads:

“Hi everyone. I have so many things to say and struggling to find the right words to express myself. For now, I want to extend my deepest deepest heartfelt gratitude to everyone who prayed for me, supported my family, and did everything possible to advocate for me. I was aware of the magnitude of the support from day 1. I will never ever ever be able to thank you all enough. Thank you for every prayer, every message, every post, every call, every comment, every video, every re-post. THANK YOU THANK YOU.

“In time, I will be responding to each and every single message from you all. I am completely in awe of the support and love my family received from day 1.

“I am safe. I am free. I am thankful. I am blessed.

“Currently, I am with family in Mexico City. I am processing. I am struggling to accept that I have left behind my family. My rock. My friends, loved ones, my community. I am grieving a life I lived since I was 7 years old. Despite all of this, I am looking forward to what’s ahead for me here.

“I have so much more I’d like to share and in time, I will. For now, first, I wanted to let you all know that I am safe, blessed, and immensely loved here in Mexico. God is good. His plans are always perfect and purposeful and He has made himself ever so present in mine and my family’s life throughout the last 2 months. Second, express that although my thank you’s will never be enough, I sincerely thank you all for being a pillar of strength for my family and I during this time. Third, ask you all to please please still be praying for and raising our voices for me thousands of individuals still being affected by this situation. THANK YOU THANK YOU.”