A federal judge in San Francisco has extended a restraining order against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding the case of Guillermo Medina Reyes, a 31-year-old immigrant facing potential detention.
U.S. District Court Judge Rita Lin granted the extension on Tuesday morning and is expected to make a decision on Thursday about a longer extension.
Reyes’ ongoing immigration case has galvanized support from immigrant activists throughout the Bay Area.
Almost 100 supporters gathered outside the federal courthouse in downtown San Francisco early Tuesday morning, displaying banners with slogans like “Protect our neighbors” and chanting messages such as “From Palestine to Mexico, the border walls have got to go.”
Esperanza Cuatle, a representative from Pangea Legal Services, shared the sentiment, stating, “Guillermo brought us all together. We all share the same values. Our liberation is collective, or it won’t be liberation at all.”
Reyes immigrated to the United States at the age of 6. After being convicted of attempted murder at 16, he served a decade in prison. Upon his release on parole in 2021, he was transferred to ICE custody, remaining at the Golden State Annex detention center in Bakersfield.
In 2023, an immigration judge released Reyes on bond, finding he posed neither a danger to the community nor a flight risk. Since then, he has worked as a tattoo artist in San Jose and organized for better conditions in California’s detention centers.
Reyes faced a setback in May when he was arrested on a vandalism charge, which his attorneys claim stemmed from a mental health episode. Following this, ICE informed his legal team of their intent to detain him again.
In response, Reyes’ attorney filed a habeas petition, resulting in a temporary restraining order just hours before his immigration appointment on July 1. A large crowd rallied in support that day, ensuring compliance from ICE agents with the judge’s ruling.
Reyes has since remained at home under an ankle monitor, continuing his advocacy. During his time at the Golden State Annex, he co-organized strikes to demand improved conditions and has filed a lawsuit against the GEO Group, the private prison company, for alleged retaliation against those who speak out.
A friend from his time at Golden State Annex described the oppressive conditions that advocates faced. “You could be placed in solitary confinement for speaking up,” he recalled, highlighting the climate of fear instilled among detainees.
The friend noted how their bond has strengthened post-release as both continue to advocate for improvements in detention practices. He praised Reyes as a “respectful, real caring person” who boldly addresses injustices, even when facing potential retaliation.
Deborah Lee, co-director of the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, attended the rally and has worked alongside Reyes since his departure from detention. She emphasized, “If we can prevent ICE from detaining Guillermo, that sets an important precedent in our ability to keep anybody out of ICE detention.”
During the hearing, Pamela T. Johann, the attorney for ICE, argued that Reyes is being targeted due to his criminal record, asserting it aligns with a campaign promise made by President Donald Trump.
In contrast, Victoria Sun, Reyes’ lead counsel, refrained from discussing specifics about the vandalism charges.
On Thursday, Judge Lin’s decision will either dismiss the restraining order, potentially permitting ICE to detain Reyes or begin proceedings for a bond hearing in front of an immigration judge.
Should Reyes be granted a bond hearing, it may occur at the immigration courthouse on Montgomery Street, which has seen recent protests against ICE escalate to violence.
If the judge denies the bond hearing, his legal team fears that Reyes may face re-detainment by ICE, leading him back to a detention center under federal oversight.
image source from：missionlocal
