Latino Business Owner in Texas, Who Raised Funds for Venezuelans, Arrested by ICE

A Venezuelan immigrant and business owner in El Paso, Texas, has been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), sparking significant community mobilization.

Jorge Luis Vilchez Lopez, owner of the restaurant Caracas Latin Food, was detained by ICE agents on July 17. His family confirmed his capture, noting that he had been actively involved in various solidarity initiatives in his community for weeks. Vilchez Lopez is currently in federal custody while his asylum case remains pending before an immigration court.

According to his relatives, Vilchez Lopez has no prior criminal record or arrests in the United States. ICE has not yet released specific details surrounding the arrest operation. His sisters have taken on the task of leading the legal support for his case.

Weeks prior to his detention, Vilchez Lopez's restaurant served as an official collection point for donations destined for earthquake victims in Venezuela, where his father currently resides. The restaurant gathered essential items and received financial support for those affected by the natural disaster.

This charitable work earned Vilchez Lopez recognition and affection from customers and residents in the border region. His social commitment was noted within the local community before his immigration detention. Friends described him as a "humble, responsible, and deeply solidary" person. Following his arrest, his sisters launched a fundraising campaign to cover the costs of his immigration process and a potential bond.

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humble, responsible and deeply solidary