Pregnant Asylum Seeker Detained by ICE, Allegedly Coerced into Signing Deportation Papers
Immigration advocates and attorneys expressed grave concern over the case of a heavily pregnant immigrant who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The situation grew more alarming when the woman could not be located within the official ICE tracking system, sparking fears for her safety and legal rights.
Identification and Disappearance of Leonela Gomez Hernandez
The missing individual has been identified as 27-year-old Leonela Liliana Gomez Hernandez. Her case came to light after advocates, accompanied by FOX 11 news crews, conducted a frantic search at multiple detention centers in an attempt to locate her. The search proved futile as her name did not appear in the ICE database, leaving her whereabouts unknown for a critical period.
Details of the Detention Incident in Los Angeles
According to reports from Fox News, Gomez-Hernandez was apprehended by ICE agents near the intersection of Vernon and Central Avenues in Los Angeles. The detention occurred immediately after she had completed a routine medical check-up for her unborn child at a nearby healthcare facility. She was reportedly waiting outside for an Uber ride when ICE agents approached and took her into custody.
Shocking Phone Call and Allegations of Coercion
The mystery deepened late Friday when Gomez-Hernandez's husband received a distressing phone call from his wife. Using a borrowed cell phone because her own device had no battery, she informed him that she was already en route to Nicaragua. During the call, she alleged that ICE agents had pressured her into signing a deportation order. She claimed the agents explicitly stated they could not provide adequate accommodations or medical care for her advanced stage of pregnancy, which is now in its eighth month.
Background and Legal Status of the Detainee
Her husband revealed that Gomez-Hernandez has been residing in the United States for approximately three years. She originally entered the country seeking asylum from persecution. A scheduled court appearance in November was missed because she feared immediate deportation, especially given her delicate physical condition during the late stages of pregnancy.
A Pattern of Alleged Pressure Tactics by Immigration Authorities
This incident appears to be part of a troubling pattern. In recent weeks, this is the second instance where families of detainees have come forward with claims that their loved ones were pressured to sign deportation documents immediately after being taken into custody.
In a separate but similar case, the wife of a food vendor detained in a North Hills church parking lot last week alleges that agents offered medical treatment for his bronchitis in exchange for signing deportation papers. He allegedly complied and was subsequently deported to Mexico.
Systemic Issues in Tracking Detainees
Immigration advocates assisting both families reported an identical and concerning problem: they could not locate either individual within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) computer systems. In the food vendor's case, his family and legal representatives had no knowledge of his location until he managed to contact them from Mexico after his removal.
This repeated failure to properly log detainees in the system raises serious questions about transparency, accountability, and the due process rights of individuals in immigration custody, particularly those who are vulnerable due to health conditions like pregnancy.
