FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — Protesters marched the streets demanding Immigration and Customs Enforcement release a mother who they say was detained while nursing her 4 month old daughter.
Protestors say Maria Gonzalez Itzep was detained by ICE agents with her two young children while on her way to work on Palm Beach Boulevard. Protesters recognize Gonzalez Itzep is undocumented, but they say her two children have birthright citizenship.
According to ICE’s , ICE agents generally “should not detain, arrest, or take into custody for an administrative violation of the immigration laws individuals known to be pregnant, postpartum, or nursing unless release is prohibited by law or exceptional circumstances exist.”
Protesters came out to the Enforcement and Removal Operations Center off Daniels Parkway in Lee County demanding Maria and her children be released. Candy Gody met Gonzalez Itzep through Mothers Helping Mothers, an organization catered to helping families with diapers, meals and household items.
“I can’t even imagine. I can’t imagine how scared she is,” Gody said.
Hillary, also with Mothers Helping Mothers, spoke about the family’s character.
“These are good people. These are not criminals. These are hard-working people, who love Christ, love their family, and used to love this country,” Hillary said.
Margaret Vincent expressed concern about what happens next to the family.
“They’re sending her and her children to a concentration camp, a four month old and a three year old. It’s sickening. I’m sick,” Vincent said.
Tom Chase directed his message to elected officials.
“I hope the cries of these children and their parents ring in your ears as well, and all of you elected officials who voted to allow this horrific violation of rights to go on,” Chase said.
WINK News reached out to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for an update on Maria and her children but has not yet received a response.