Nearly 100 Iowa Protesters Demand Return of Deported Immigrant

Pascual Pedro, a 20-year-old West Liberty resident and high school graduate, was deported to Guatemala after being detained by ICE during a routine check-in in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Pedro, who came to the U.S. from Guatemala at age 13 and lived under an order of supervised release, had consistently complied with immigration requirements and had no criminal record. Community members, activists, and faith leaders gathered in Cedar Rapids to protest his deportation, arguing that he was denied due process and emphasizing his positive contributions as a student athlete and construction worker. His attorney attempted to file a Stay of Removal petition, but Pedro was deported before it could be processed. Supporters highlighted the moral and legal concerns surrounding his removal, noting he was sent to a country he barely remembers despite having built his life in the U.S. since childhood. The protests called for Pedro's return and for reform in how ICE handles such cases to ensure due process and fair treatment.