Efforts to free an undocumented Buda resident in Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody hit a snag in court earlier this month when improper identification held back a decision on bond.
Janelie Rodriguez, 25, remains in the South Texas Detention Center in Pearsall despite efforts by her attorney to have her released on bond until her next court hearing Sept. 19.
Rodriguez has resided in the U.S. for over 20 years and fears returning to Mexico alone.
Chito Vela, Rodriguez’s attorney, requested she be released on bond so she can be with her family until her final court date. Although Rodriguez is reportedly receiving her medication for her mental health disorder, her family said they believe she would be better off at home where she can be with them, receive her medication and further treatment.
Rodriguez was detained after having a mental health crisis where she hallucinated and panicked.
Despite receiving care in a hospital for weeks following the incident, her immigration status left her subject to detainment and possibly deportation.
“We had a hiccup today with getting her out,” Vela said in a statement. “I will have to go back to court and ask the judge to amend the order. That will take a few days.”
