Father Detained in Immigration Case Seeks Justice for Family

A father from Albuquerque has been detained for over five months in immigration facilities, causing significant emotional distress for his family. Juan Lamas Aguilar, 29, has been held without bond since his arrest on January 25, 2025, leading to a legal battle that highlights concerns over immigration enforcement practices in New Mexico.

During his time in detention, Lamas Aguilar’s fiancée, Estephanie, has been left to celebrate their daughter Maria’s first milestones alone. “Those special moments — you want to share those with someone who cares about her the way that you do,” she shared during a recent interview, as the sounds of their daughter’s cries echoed in the background. Estephanie, a native of Santa Fe, described the emotional toll that this separation has taken on their family.

Lamas Aguilar’s case is emblematic of broader issues arising from heightened immigration enforcement in the region. His detention has spurred lawsuits alleging violations of both state and federal laws. The State Ethics Commission claims his arrest contravened state law, while the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) argues that his continued detention without the opportunity for bond violates federal statutes.

In a lawsuit filed on September 12, the State Ethics Commission accused the New Mexico Corrections Department of unlawfully transferring Lamas Aguilar and two other undocumented immigrants to federal authorities under false pretenses. The complaint alleges that state probation officers misled the individuals into believing they were only signing paperwork, only to be arrested by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Lamas Aguilar has lived in the Albuquerque area since he was 12 years old, having moved from Durango, Mexico. He has built a life there, attending local schools, working as a refrigerator technician, and participating actively in the community. His engagement with La Guadalupe Catholic Church and the Empire Soccer Club reflects his deep roots in the area.

Following a guilty plea for a first-offense drunken driving charge, he was sentenced to 90 days of supervised probation. On July 8, after completing required forms to begin his probation, Lamas Aguilar was unexpectedly arrested during a follow-up visit to the probation office. He was initially placed in an El Paso ICE detention center before being moved to the Torrance County Detention Facility in Estancia.

The State Ethics Commission’s lawsuit contends that the method used to detain Lamas Aguilar violates the Nondisclosure of Sensitive Personal Information Act. This law prohibits state agencies from sharing sensitive personal information, including immigration status, with external entities without consent. The commission noted that communications between state corrections officials and federal immigration authorities date back to December 2024, prior to the law’s enactment.

Despite a resolution passed by the commission to pursue legal action, the case has faced procedural challenges. On October 17, the case was transferred to federal court. The commission subsequently argued for its return to state court, emphasizing its commitment to enforcing New Mexico’s laws.

In a separate legal development, the ACLU of New Mexico has taken up Lamas Aguilar’s case, asserting that immigration authorities are unlawfully holding him without bond. Their filing in U.S. District Court on October 10 argues that the federal government is misinterpreting the Immigration and Nationality Act, extending mandatory detention to longtime residents like Lamas Aguilar. The suit seeks either a bond hearing or his immediate release, as he has not been deemed a flight risk or a danger to the community.

Zoe Bowman, managing attorney for the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center, noted that while some federal courts have rejected the new interpretation of mandatory detention, others, including judges in New Mexico’s immigration court, have not. “Some immigration judges are finding that they do have jurisdiction now to hear those bond cases,” she stated.

As the legal battles continue, Estephanie remains hopeful for Lamas Aguilar’s release. She recalls the emotional shock of his detention and the impact on their family life. “We never expected this to happen,” she said. The couple, who became engaged in November 2024 shortly after Maria’s birth, have relied on video calls to maintain their family connection. Yet, Estephanie expressed concern for their daughter’s understanding of the situation. “She doesn’t really understand exactly what’s going on, but she knows that something is missing.”

The separation has also forced Estephanie to take up work to support the family, as Lamas Aguilar was the primary income earner. She described him as “the joy of the house,” a provider and protector, and lamented the loss of shared family moments. “Those steering immigration policy don’t think about the emotional devastation and the trauma that it brings to families,” she said.

Estephanie believes Lamas Aguilar deserves another chance, stating, “He didn’t come into this country trying to ruin it. He came wanting to make it better — to bring something to the table. He’s a big patriot. He loves the U.S. He pays his taxes. He’s a family man.”