SPRINGDALE, Pa. — Another flashpoint in the debate over immigration enforcement is appearing in our area after federal agents arrested a local father.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Springdale father arrested by ICE at traffic stop; community, lawmaker condemn his detention
According to an ICE spokesperson, Springdale resident Randy Ralphy Cordova Flores immigrated to the U.S. illegally from Peru. He was reportedly arrested after a traffic violation and has been in custody in Moundsville, W.Va., since Tuesday.
A rally was held in Springdale on Saturday near where Flores was pulled over.
About 200 people turned out to show their support for Flores, including some elected leaders.
“We could not have asked for a better support from our neighbors, from our first responders, from everybody here — our local businesses — I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who has shown up today,” Allegheny Valley School Board member Amy Sarno said.
Also at the rally was State Sen. Lindsey Williams (D-District 38), who represents part of Allegheny County.
“I’ve heard from my constituents — calls, emails, stopping by the office — concerned for themselves, for their neighbors, for their friends, for strangers, quite honestly," Williams said.
A passing driver briefly disrupted the rally. He stopped in the middle of the street and then got into a physical confrontation with a demonstrator.
Springdale police pulled over the man and briefly questioned him before he was allowed to go on his way.
A friend of Flores, Dani Jameson, told Channel 11 that he has no criminal record, and his family is in fear. That friend also set up a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for bills and legal fees.
A statement by an ICE spokesperson, shared on the Springdale Borough Facebook page, says Flores first came in contact with border patrol agents in 2023 when he allegedly entered the U.s. illegally near Yuma, Ariz.
Springdale police and federal agents arrested Flores on Tuesday for “failing to report to his immigration proceedings as ordered by a judge,” the statement says.
The Springdale Police Department is one of at least 19 local law enforcement agencies that have active agreements with ICE.
Supporters of Flores say he is actively seeking asylum status.
Congressman Chris Deluzio says his office is in touch with Flores’ family and wants to know more about why he was arrested.
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