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Paleta Vendor Wins U.S. Permanent Residency After 114 Days in ICE Detention

The ruling relied on Section 245(i) enabled by a prior family petition with community-funded counsel.

Overview

  • On October 15, a virtual immigration court hearing ended with an immigration judge granting Ambrocio Lozano permanent residency under Section 245(i).
  • His attorney said the provision applied because a family petition existed from before his wife's own residency, allowing him to adjust status without leaving the United States.
  • ICE arrested the longtime Culver City paletero on June 23, and he spent 114 days in custody as he was transferred through facilities in El Paso and New Mexico.
  • Efforts to obtain release on bond failed after a change in law, prompting family and community members to raise funds to secure immigration counsel.
  • Lozano has been released and reunited with his family, plans to return to selling paletas, and is expected to receive his green card within three to four months.