Man Detained by ICE After Arriving in US as a Child

A 21-Year-Old Student Detained Amid Immigration Enforcement

A 21-year-old Virginia Tech student, who has lived in the United States since he was two years old, is currently in custody after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The individual is in the process of applying for a green card and is facing charges related to an incident that occurred at a friend's going-away party.

The situation has sparked concerns about the broader implications of current immigration policies. President Donald Trump has long advocated for stricter enforcement, particularly targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal records. However, recent reports suggest that individuals without any criminal history or those with nonviolent offenses are also being affected.

Since Trump took office, there have been significant increases in immigration enforcement actions. According to some estimates, around 100,000 undocumented immigrants were deported in the early months of his presidency. Some of these deportations involved invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a law that has faced legal challenges and criticism from judges.

The Incident That Led to Detention

On July 9, Cristian Romo-Bermejo attended a going-away party for a friend. During the event, he reportedly experienced a panic attack and requested an ambulance. According to local news station WSLS, his friends believed he was in distress and called for medical assistance.

When police arrived with the ambulance, Romo-Bermejo informed them that he did not have legal status in the U.S. Authorities allege that he threatened medical staff and assaulted officers while at the hospital. His sister, Carina, however, stated that he has no criminal record and is not a violent person.

Romo-Bermejo, originally from Mexico, is married to a U.S. citizen named Jadyn Yost. She mentioned that he is in the process of applying for a green card and plans to seek cancellation of removal once the criminal case is resolved.

ICE's Response and Current Status

ICE responded to the arrest, stating that Romo-Bermejo was "illegally present" in the U.S. and was "charged with two counts of assault on a law enforcement officer." According to a statement reported by WSLS, he was transferred to ICE custody on July 13 and received a notice to appear before an immigration judge. He remains in mandatory detention under the Laken Riley Act.

According to records reviewed by DISCOVER TREND, Romo-Bermejo is currently held at the Farmville Detention Center in Virginia. A GoFundMe campaign set up for his legal support has raised over $33,000. The campaign states:

"Cristian is not a criminal. He is not a threat. He is a husband, a friend, a classmate. He is a person who shows more strength and dedication than most of us will ever be asked to. This country is the only place he has ever known, and now he is locked away from all of it."

Broader Implications and Public Reaction

This case is part of a larger pattern of immigration enforcement that has led to the detention of individuals with no criminal records. For example, a Michigan mother of two is facing deportation after reporting an alleged assault. In another instance, a Brazilian man living in Florida with a valid ID and work permit was detained while visiting the Grand Canyon.

Jadyn Yost, Romo-Bermejo’s wife, expressed her concern to WSLS, saying: “He was disoriented and scared and begging to be taken to a hospital to get help. He wasn’t trying to cause harm.”

Attorney John Fishwick told WSET that the authorities may be taking the position that Romo-Bermejo is an illegal resident and thus should be removed from the country.

Eduardo Zelaya, Virginia's organizing director at the immigration advocacy group CASA, criticized the treatment of Romo-Bermejo, calling it an example of rising authoritarian ideals. He emphasized that Romo-Bermejo should have received care and compassion during his health emergency, not detention.

What Comes Next

Romo-Bermejo’s next immigration hearing is scheduled for August, according to WSET. His family and legal team plan to pursue cancellation of removal once the criminal case concludes.

This case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policy and the impact on individuals who have built their lives in the U.S. despite their legal status. As the situation unfolds, many are watching closely to see how the system will handle this particular case and others like it.