US Citizen Detained 10 Days After Misunderstanding Immigration Status

Jose Hermosillo, a 19-year-old U.S. citizen from New Mexico, was detained for 10 days by immigration authorities near the Arizona border after being accused of illegally entering the country. The Department of Homeland Security maintains that Hermosillo's detention was due to his own statements and actions, alleging he told officials he was a Mexican citizen and had entered the U.S. illegally. Hermosillo's family disputes this, claiming he was arrested for not carrying identification and insisted he was a U.S. citizen, but officials did not believe him. Court documents and affidavits present conflicting accounts, with Hermosillo's family noting his learning disabilities and illiteracy may have affected his communication with authorities. He was ultimately released after relatives provided proof of his citizenship, and charges were dismissed. The case has prompted concern and demands for answers from Arizona state officials.