Urgent Rally in San Francisco Demands Return of Deported Dad

UPDATE: A passionate rally erupted outside a federal courthouse in San Francisco today as protesters demanded the return of Miguel Lopez, a longtime Livermore resident who was abruptly deported to Mexico. Supporters gathered on October 30, 2025, chanting “Bring Miguel Home” and “Due Process For All,” highlighting the urgency of his family’s plight.

Lopez, who has been separated from his family for over five months, was deported by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) this past June, just hours before a judge had ordered him to remain in the United States. His wife, Rosa Lopez, expressed the emotional toll this separation has taken, particularly as the holiday season approaches. “This will be the first Christmas he hasn’t spent with us,” she lamented.

While the courtroom was empty due to U.S. Marshals turning away dozens of supporters wanting to attend Lopez’s case management conference, the family and friends crowded into a cafeteria to watch the hearing on their phones. “He’s just so ready to come home,” Rosa said, as they anxiously awaited updates from Lopez, who was streaming his own hearing from outside Mexico City.

Authorities report that during a hearing on October 7, Judge Trina Thompson refused to dismiss Lopez’s case, defying federal prosecutors’ requests. “These cases are stressful and complicated,” said Saad Ahmad, Lopez’s lawyer, before the hearing. He emphasized that Lopez had never had the chance to argue for permanent residency, claiming his rights were violated when he was deported without a proper hearing.

Ahmad described Lopez’s situation as “very unique,” noting that he was previously granted the right to stay in the U.S. in 2012, only to have that decision reversed two years later. “This is one of the first cases of its kind. There’s never been anything like this before,” he asserted.

The rally drew support from community members, including Chris Lima, a retired firefighter who stated, “I wanted to support the Lopez family and the institution of due process.” Ward Kanowsky, an organizer with Indivisible Tri-Valley, rallied the crowd, declaring, “We’re not going to forget Miguel. We’re not going to give up this effort until we bring Miguel home.”

Local teacher Laura Brown also joined the protest, having taught Lopez’s eldest son, Angel. “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 stressed.

As the situation develops, the Lopez family and their supporters remain hopeful for a favorable outcome. The emotional weight of their struggle resonates deeply within the community, raising critical questions about immigration policy and family unity. As the holiday season approaches, the urgency for justice in Miguel Lopez’s case is more pressing than ever.

Stay tuned for further updates as the rally continues and the fight for Miguel’s return unfolds.