Traffic Stop Leads to Immigration Detention
ROCK SPRINGS — A routine traffic stop on January 9 turned into a federal immigration arrest for Ana Canedo Luna, resulting in a heartbreaking separation from her family that lasted five months and ten days. Luna was released from an immigration detention center in Aurora, Colorado, on June 19.
Community Roots
Luna and her wife, Gloria Guerra, have made Rock Springs their home for the past three years. Originally from Mexicali, Baja, Mexico, Luna, along with Guerra from Delta, Utah, are recognized in the community for owning a local venue and food truck.
Details of the Traffic Stop
The incident unfolded when Luna noticed officers from the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) following her vehicle. She expressed concerns about racial profiling but remained composed, believing she had the necessary documentation to work legally in the U.S. “I thought I was OK because I have the documents that give me the right to work here,” she recalled, as the deputies had not yet turned on their sirens.
Communication Breakdown
Eventually, the officers activated their lights and blocked Luna’s vehicle. Luna realized her driver’s license was in her wife’s car and presented a temporary paper license, valid until March 16. Despite Guerra’s attempts to provide further identity documents, including a passport and employment permit, the officers informed them they had violated the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Act, offering no further explanation.
SCSO spokesperson Jason More later clarified that the stop stemmed from a registration issue related to Luna’s vehicle. Although Luna received only a verbal warning for registration violations, the situation escalated when the deputy contacted ICE after uncovering a potential immigration issue.
Life in Detention
After her arrest, Luna spent three days in the Sweetwater County Detention Center before being transferred to the immigration facility in Aurora. She described the experience as daunting, stating, “It felt like a prison.” Over her five-month stay, officers sometimes denied her calls to family on the advice of her lawyer, leading to emotional turmoil. “I was very upset. I started crying, and my blood pressure was extremely high,” Luna recounted.
Sharing a cramped space with 24 other women, Luna struggled with a lack of privacy and felt overlooked by the legal process. Despite her strong legal documentation, she was bewildered by the inability to present her case before a local judge to validate her business ownership and clean record. “I never met the judge in the five months I was there,” she lamented.
A Complicated Legal Battle
Upon entering Sweetwater County Detention, Luna contacted an immigration lawyer who initially assured her that her case was manageable. However, this optimism faded as months passed with minimal updates. Luna’s situation took a turn when it came to light that the government had reinstated a 2015 voluntary departure order, which had previously been closed. The realization that her fate had seemingly been decided without her knowledge was a crushing blow.
Communications with her lawyer became increasingly frustrating, leading to the couple seeking new representation to push for a writ of habeas corpus just as the deadline for voluntary departure loomed. They finally connected with an attorney in Rock Springs who was able to file this crucial legal petition.
Emotional Toll of Separation
Meanwhile, Guerra faced her own uphill battle, describing the five-month separation as “mental torture.” She struggled emotionally and physically, losing 45 pounds while trying to keep their business afloat amidst the chaos. While Luna was detained, Guerra kept their venue operational and organized fundraisers to help offset legal costs.
Even after Luna’s eventual release, the emotional scars from their experience lingered. “I still don’t feel safe,” Luna expressed, noting her heightened awareness during everyday activities like grocery shopping. The couple now carries habeas corpus papers with them, an indication of their ongoing anxiety regarding their legal status.
Community Reflection and Accountability
Speaking to Rocket Miner, Interim Sheriff Rich Fisher of the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the department’s commitment to communication during traffic stops. Acknowledging the complexities of Luna’s situation, Fisher expressed a desire for transparency and respect in law enforcement practices. He stated that incidents are reviewed with an emphasis on accountability. “If you feel someone has been treated unfairly, please contact us and we will investigate,” Fisher remarked.
A Fragile Reunion
When Luna was finally released, their reunion was an emotional culmination of a distressing ordeal. Guerra recalled the overwhelming moment, “When I saw her, I couldn’t breathe, and tears rolled down my cheeks.” Their joy was bittersweet, as the memories of their separation weighed heavily on their hearts. Luna remarked, “Having a home and family means everything to me.”
As they rebuild their lives together, the couple remains vigilant, knowing that the path toward legal stability is fraught with uncertainty. “I’m not the only one waiting,” Luna acknowledged, highlighting the struggles faced by countless individuals in the immigration system. “It’s very difficult to get things right.”
