Overview

• Giovanna Hernandez announced from Mexico City that she left U.S. custody and is staying with family after choosing to self-deport.
• In a Facebook post, she thanked supporters, said she feels safe and free, and described grieving the life she built since arriving in the U.S. at age seven.
• Her family says she was told she could face about a year in detention awaiting trial with a possible 10-year reentry bar if convicted, which influenced her decision.
• She was detained in early August after a traffic stop in Leeds, Alabama, where police alleged speeding and posted dashcam footage of the arrest.
• A petition backing her release topped 20,000 signatures, while supporters highlighted her record as a Leeds High valedictorian, JSU graduate, and immigration advocate.