Urgent Rally to Bring Home Livermore Dad Deported by ICE

UPDATE: Protesters gathered outside a federal courthouse in San Francisco on October 30, 2025, demanding the return of Miguel Lopez, a longtime Livermore resident recently deported by ICE. With chants of “Bring Miguel Home” and “Due Process For All,” the emotional rally drew at least two dozen supporters who are determined to reunite Lopez with his family.

Just five months ago, Lopez was deported to Mexico after the Department of Homeland Security acted hours before a judge ordered him to remain in the U.S. The rally took place at 450 Golden Gate Ave, the same location where Lopez was detained during an immigration hearing this past summer.

Supporters, including his wife, Rosa Lopez, and their children, were turned away from the courtroom, which U.S. Marshals declared off-limits. Instead, they crowded into the building’s cafeteria, watching the brief hearing unfold on their phones. “He’s just so ready to come home,” Rosa Lopez expressed, citing the emotional toll of being separated during the holiday season.

As the family prepares for Thanksgiving and Christmas without Miguel, Rosa shared her heartbreak over missing family gatherings. “I pray every day that my family can be together,” she said, highlighting the urgent emotional stakes involved.

During the hearing, Judge Trina Thompson decided not to dismiss Lopez’s case, a significant victory against federal prosecutors who sought to end it. “These cases are stressful because they take a lot of time, they take a lot of work,” said Saad Ahmad, Lopez’s lawyer, before the hearing. Ahmad emphasized the complexity of immigration cases and declared, “Oftentimes people like Miguel never get the help they need.”

Lopez’s legal situation is described as unprecedented. Ahmad noted that the case is “very unique,” as Lopez has struggled to maintain his residency status since an immigration judge granted him the right to stay in 2012—a decision reversed in 2014. “This is one of the first cases of its kind. There’s never been anything like this before,” Ahmad stated, underscoring its historical significance.

Community members, including retired firefighter Chris Lima and Indivisible Tri-Valley organizer Ward Kanowsky, voiced their steadfast support. Kanowsky declared, “Miguel is our neighbor. We’re not going to forget Miguel, and we’re not going to give up this effort until we bring Miguel home.”

Local teacher Laura Brown, who took time off work to attend the rally, reflected on the community impact of Lopez’s deportation. “Miguel’s home is not in Mexico, a place he hasn’t lived for over 25 years. His home is in the Tri-Valley,” she asserted, emphasizing the deep roots Lopez has in the area.

The situation remains fluid as the family and supporters await further developments in Lopez’s immigration case. Advocates are committed to keeping the pressure on authorities to ensure justice and due process for Lopez and others in similar situations.

As the holiday season approaches, the urgency for a resolution grows. Community members continue to rally, holding tight to hope for a reunion that feels more vital than ever.