Arrest of Ecuadorian Woman Raises Concerns in Oakland
OAKLAND, Calif. — On July 20, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehended 27-year-old Chantal Morales Rojas at Denver International Airport as she prepared to board a flight to Oakland. A close friend provided details of the incident, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the arrest.
Background on Rojas
Chantal Morales Rojas, who resides in Oakland, had recently visited Denver to spend time with her former host family. According to her friend, Alicia Dantzker, Rojas previously worked as an au pair in Santa Cruz County before her host family moved to Denver.
Eyewitness Account
Dantzker, who has known Rojas for three years, described her as gentle and knowledgeable, especially regarding childcare. “She is incredibly kind and wise,” Dantzker remarked, highlighting Rojas’ nurturing character.
Details of the Arrest
Witnessing Rojas’ arrest unfold, Dantzker recounted a man approaching her at the airport, inquiring about her immigration status. Soon after, additional individuals in civilian clothing surrounded Rojas on the jetway, leading to her detention.
Conflicting Immigration Claims
ICE and Rojas’ legal representatives have provided differing accounts regarding her immigration status. According to ICE, Rojas overstayed her visa, which was granted on October 20, 2024, and allowed her to remain until January 4, 2025. They asserted that she violated U.S. laws by remaining past this date.
However, Rojas’ attorney, Laura Richter, disputed ICE’s claims, asserting that Rojas entered the U.S. legally in early 2023 on a J-1 visa designed for au pairs. Richter contended that Rojas complied with all regulations and had submitted the necessary request to maintain her status pending legal proceedings.
Community Support and Legal Challenges
Dantzker expressed belief in Rojas’ adherence to immigration procedures, describing the arrest as an unnecessary and harsh action. “It doesn’t make sense from a resource standpoint,” she noted. Following Rojas’ detention, her attorney filed a habeas corpus petition to facilitate her release. Currently, Rojas is held in an ICE detention center in Colorado, where she has described her situation as a nightmare yet remains hopeful due to the support she has received from the community.
Ongoing Advocacy and Fundraising
Motivated by Rojas’ plight, Dantzker has established a GoFundMe campaign to cover her legal expenses, which has successfully raised over $100,000. The timing of Rojas’ arrest coincided with heightened national attention on ICE operations, particularly following a widely publicized arrest at San Francisco International Airport involving a Ukrainian woman detained by plainclothes officers.
Community Response and Activism
As public awareness grows, demonstrators participated in the National Day of Action Against ICE, with events held in San Francisco and Mountain View. Throughout this ordeal, Dantzker has maintained that Rojas is determined to stay strong and hopeful while her attorney continues efforts to secure her release. “She’s focused on taking care of herself and holding onto hope,” Dantzker stated.
