Jackson MS Immigrant Detained After Press Conference

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Moments after an immigrant spoke out about her fears of deportation, she was detained by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.

Daniela Vargas, 22, was detained by ICE agents Wednesday morning, shortly after speaking at a news conference in downtown Jackson, according to her attorney Abby Peterson.

The press conference was hosted by local immigration attorneys, churches and the Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance to bring attention to families impacted by deportation.

Vargas' brother and father were detained outside their home by ICE agents in February. Vargas hid in the closet. When she was discovered by agents, she was temporarily handcuffed and then released.

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Peterson said she told agents via telephone Vargas had a pending DACA case. However, agents reportedly told Peterson Vargas was a "visa overstay" and will be detained.

Vargas has no bond and is currently in ICE detention.

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After her father and brother were detained, Vargas previously told The Clarion-Ledger she planned to go in hiding. She came out of hiding to speak at the conference.

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As a friend drove Vargas away from the press conference, their vehicle was pulled over by ICE agents, Peterson said.

Agents reportedly told Vargas, "You know who we are, you know what we're here for."

Vargas was immediately detained and taken into custody. Her friend was released.

Before being detained Wednesday, Vargas said she planned to move out of state with her mother and pursue her dream of being a university math professor.

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