DEMAND ICE TO RELEASE DYING 82-YEAR-OLD GRANDFATHER WITH CANCER DETAINED BY ICE INCOMMUNICADO

November 27, 2019

For immediate release

FAMILY, COMMUNITY GROUPS, AND ATTORNEY DEMAND ICE TO RELEASE DYING 82-YEAR-OLD GRANDFATHER WITH CANCER DETAINED BY ICE INCOMMUNICADO

Bakersfield, CA - Mr. J Elias Solorio Lopez (A# ending in -2863) is a lawful permanent resident grandfather who is dying from multiple forms of cancer. Mr. Solorio Lopez was until recently detained at the privately owned Mesa Verde Detention Facility, operated by The GEO Group, Inc. Mr. Solorio Lopez's health has rapidly deteriorated while in ICE detention. A medical doctor has recently told Mr. Solorio Lopez that he may not have much time left to live. Mr. Solorio’s family worries his story may follow the pattern of recent deaths reported by ICE.

ICE has transferred Mr. Solorio Lopez, who is also partially deaf and suffers from high blood pressure, to a hospital in an undisclosed location. ICE has refused to tell Mr. Solorio Lopez’s family where he is currently detained, and is denying their request to visit their grandfather during what may be his final moments. ICE is also denying Mr. Solorio Lopez access to his legal team, in violation of due process.

A “Call to Action” by Mr. Solorio Lopez’s family and the Mesa Verde Liberation Front has been made across social media platforms and to congressional offices, to demand that ICE disclose Mr. J Elias Solorio Lopez’s location and release him immediately, so that he can speak to his family and legal representatives.

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