Community demands Pomona father’s release from ICE custody

POMONA, Calif. () — Family and community members are calling for the release of a father who was detained by ICE in Southern California.

An emotional vigil was held in Pomona Wednesday night.

Organizers say Ramiro Santiago Pacheco Ramirez was detained at a bus stop in November while he was on his way to pick up medicine for a life-threatening illness. Since then, the day laborer has been held at the Adelanto Detention Center.

His family says they’re concerned for his health – especially because he uses a pacemaker for his heart. They say his detention is putting his life at risk.

“He was sick. Barely got out of the hospital and all he did was just take a small break… and that was enough for someone to say ‘oh, that guy is evil. That guy is an undocumented person, let’s take him’,” said his daughter, Jax, during the vigil.

Organizers say Ramiro has no criminal record. They’re urging people to sign a community letter demanding his release.