An Oakland Woman Detained at Denver Airport
Federal immigration officials detained Chantal Morales Rojas, a 27-year-old Oakland resident, at Denver International Airport on Monday night as she was about to board a flight home. Currently, she is being held at the Aurora Detention Center near Denver, which has been experiencing safety issues and a tuberculosis outbreak.
Background on Morales Rojas’ Trip
Morales Rojas traveled to Denver last Thursday to provide childcare for a family attending an Ultimate Frisbee tournament and to visit a friend. Those close to her expressed shock over her sudden detention and are mobilizing legal support, including a GoFundMe campaign aimed at securing her release and assisting with her immigration proceedings.
Social Media Response and Legal Challenges
News of Morales Rojas’ detention spread rapidly on social media. Efforts to reach her directly have been unsuccessful, and her attorney has not yet responded to requests for comment. Morales Rojas legally entered the U.S. from Ecuador on a J-1 visa in 2023 to work as an au pair. According to Lauren Carr, a member of the family that employed her, Morales Rojas is currently employed as a software engineer for a nonprofit organization in Oakland.
Friends Rally for Support
Carr described Morales Rojas as a compassionate individual with a “heart of gold,” noting that she has become a close friend and a valued member of her family. Morales Rojas is also friends with other participants from the Ultimate Frisbee tournament in Denver, and Carr expressed deep concern for her well-being.
Details of the Detention Incident
Alicia Dantzker, another Bay Area resident who was in Denver for the tournament, shared that she was surprised to learn they were on the same return flight. While the two were at the airport, Dantzker noticed Morales Rojas looked visibly scared after being approached by an immigration official. After consulting another tournament participant, a lawyer, Dantzker decided not to interfere directly but recorded the encounter.
Confrontation at the Airport
During the boarding process, an alarm prompted a Southwest Airlines gate agent to call Morales Rojas back. Dantzker described how several men in civilian clothing confronted her and Morales Rojas, physically pushing them into a tunnel. The agents informed Morales Rojas that they had a warrant for her arrest and that she had to comply. A video recorded by Dantzker captures the tension of the moment as she advised Morales Rojas of her rights.
Concerns About the Detention Center
Morales Rojas is currently held in a facility experiencing a tuberculosis outbreak, with at least 12 reported cases. Reports indicate broken air conditioning in some cells, which raises serious health concerns, especially in a facility already under scrutiny for multiple complaints regarding conditions and access to medical care. Health officials have noted that GEO Group, the operator of the center, has not disclosed crucial public health information related to the outbreak.
Official Statements on Morales Rojas’ Status
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security stated that Morales Rojas was arrested for overstaying her visa, which reportedly expired earlier this year. However, the details regarding her immigration status remain unverified. Carr, who plans to stay in Colorado to assist, emphasized that her priority is to ensure Morales Rojas’ safe release. Dantzker questioned the government’s aggressive approach to detaining someone leading a peaceful life in Oakland, expressing her concern over the safety risks faced by Morales Rojas in custody.
