On October 30, 2025, a group of supporters gathered outside a federal courthouse in San Francisco to advocate for the return of Miguel Lopez, a longtime resident of Livermore who was deported to Mexico earlier this year. The rally, which featured chants of “Bring Miguel Home” and “Due Process For All,” aimed to raise awareness about Lopez’s situation and the implications of his deportation.
Lopez was taken into custody by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during an immigration status hearing in June, just hours before a judge ruled he should be allowed to remain in the country. Since then, he has been separated from his family, who are now advocating for his return to the Tri-Valley area.
Community Support Grows Amid Court Proceedings
Approximately two dozen individuals attended the rally, which took place outside the courthouse located at 450 Golden Gate Avenue. Supporters included family members and community allies who expressed their determination to keep Lopez’s case in the public eye. Attendees were prevented from entering the courtroom to witness the case management conference presided over by Judge Trina Thompson. U.S. Marshals informed them that the courtroom would be closed to the public, requiring them to watch the proceedings online from the building’s cafeteria.
From his new location near Mexico City, Lopez participated in the hearing remotely, hoping for news about his potential return to the United States. His wife, Rosa Lopez, reflected on the emotional toll of their separation, especially with the holidays approaching. “He’s just so ready to come home,” she remarked, noting that Thanksgiving and Christmas would be the first without him.
Rosa was accompanied by her youngest son, Julian Lopez, a senior at Granada High School, along with her daughter, Stephanie Lopez, and Stephanie’s daughter, Illianna. The family is grappling with the reality of their situation, as Rosa shared, “I pray every day that my family can be together.”
Legal Challenges and Community Advocacy
After a hearing on October 7, Judge Thompson decided not to dismiss Lopez’s case, countering the requests of federal prosecutors. His attorney, Saad Ahmad, emphasized the complexity of such cases and the importance of proper legal representation. “These cases are stressful because they take a lot of time, they take a lot of work,” Ahmad explained. He has argued that Lopez’s case is unique, highlighting that he has never had a chance to formally advocate for his permanent residency status.
According to Ahmad, Lopez was granted the right to stay in the U.S. in 2012, only to have that 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 the significance of Lopez’s ongoing legal battle.
Among the supporters was Chris Lima, a retired firefighter who attended the rally to stand in solidarity with the Lopez family. “I wanted to support the Lopez family and the institution of due process,” he said. Organizer Ward Kanowsky from Indivisible Tri-Valley addressed the crowd, reinforcing their commitment: “We’re not going to forget Miguel, and we’re not going to give up this effort until we bring Miguel home.”
As the case unfolds, the Lopez family remains hopeful for a resolution that will allow them to reunite. Local community members, including Laura Brown, a teacher at Granada High School, have expressed their determination to support the family. “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 affirmed, echoing the sentiments of many who rallied in support of the Lopez family.
