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Kevin Zaldaña Ramírez, a 20-year-old immigrant from El Salvador, was released on bond Thursday after being held in immigration detention.
His lawyer claims his detention was illegal.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested Zaldaña Ramírez on February 25 at a construction site where he worked.
He provided his Social Security number and proof of his Special Immigrant Juvenile status, along with a valid work permit, yet was taken into custody.
ICE stated that he was detained during a Texas Department of Public Safety operation targeting transnational gang members. However, Zaldaña Ramírez denied any gang involvement.
At a press conference, the Houston-based immigrant rights group FIEL criticized the incident, arguing that it contradicts claims that immigration enforcement only targets criminals.
“Despite the Trump administration’s rhetoric about focusing on dangerous criminals, Kevin was simply working to support his family,” said FIEL’s executive director, Cesar Espinosa.
On Tuesday, a judge granted Zaldaña Ramírez bond, but his family lacked the funds to pay it.
Social media influencer Carlos Eduardo Espina stepped in, working with FIEL’s volunteers to cover the $3,000 bond.
“I contributed to Kevin’s release because what happened to him is an injustice,” Espina said. “Anyone who hears him speak will see he is no threat.”
ICE defended the detention, stating that having a work permit does not grant full legal status and does not prevent arrest or deportation.
Upon hearing about her son’s bond approval, Yolanda Ramirez, who is visually impaired, was overwhelmed with joy.
“It was pure happiness,” she said, thanking Espina and the anonymous sponsor who helped secure her son’s release.
She urged unity against the detention of hardworking immigrants.
“Many innocent people are detained and deported. It is unfair,” she added.
For Zaldaña Ramírez, the experience was deeply distressing.
“Not knowing what was happening was terrifying,” he said, standing beside his mother at the press conference.
The reason behind his detention remains unclear. Zaldaña Ramírez has no criminal record, yet ICE officers questioned him about gang affiliation at the construction site.
He denied any ties, but agents still searched for tattoos.
“When I said I was Salvadoran, their attitude changed,” he recalled.
Espinosa from FIEL warned that linking immigrants to crime without proof is dangerous. Yolanda Ramirez also rejected the claims.
During Trump’s first term, his administration frequently associated Salvadoran immigrants with MS-13 gang violence.
This led to increased targeting of young Salvadorans, many of whom had no criminal background.
Now, Trump is using similar rhetoric against Venezuelan immigrants, linking them to gangs like Tren de Aragua.
Now free, Zaldaña Ramírez plans to continue his application for a green card. His top priority is returning to work to support his mother.
“My mom always taught me to never give up,” he said. “To be a good, hardworking man.”
