Supporters gathered in Arlington urging leaders to call for the release of DACA photojournalist Ya’akub Ira Vijandre, who was detained by ICE in October.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Supporters from across Texas gathered inside Arlington City Council chambers Tuesday night, urging leaders to call for the release of a detained photojournalist who has been in federal custody for nearly six months.
Dozens spoke on behalf of Yaa’kub Ira Vijandre, a 38-year-old DACA recipient, freelance photojournalist and activist who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in October.
“He is a DACA recipient with no criminal record,” one speaker said.
Friends and supporters described Vijandre as a community-focused figure known for helping others.
“He’s always trying to help folks anywhere he goes,” said Mohammed Ayachi, a friend of Vijandre.
Vijandre was detained outside his Arlington home while on his way to work. The Department of Homeland Security has said he overstayed his visa, but supporters question the timing of his arrest, noting it came a day after he recorded and posted on Instagram a Richardson City Council meeting in support of another detained community member.
“There’s no coincidence,” Omar Khattab said. He is a close friend of Vijandre. “It’s the weaponization of the immigration system.”
Federal officials have also said Vijandre’s social media posts “glorified terrorism,” a claim supporters dispute, arguing the posts are protected free speech.
Nearly six months since he was detained, Vijandre remains in custody at a federal immigration detention facility in Georgia. Friends who have spoken with him say his condition has worsened.
“I’m very concerned,” Khattab said. “He has lost so much weight.” He said Vijandre’s energy seems low, but his faith keeps him going.
During the meeting, speakers urged Arlington leaders to pass a resolution calling for his release.
Supporters pointed to a similar effort in Paterson, New Jersey, where city council members passed a resolution urging federal authorities to release a detainee, Leqaa Kordia. Kordia was released last week from the Alvarado ICE facility.
Following the Arlington City Council meeting, Mayor Jim Ross tells WFAA, “I want to hear more about what is going on […] I don’t know if there is anything I’m going to be able to do or not, but I do want to be educated about what has happened with Ya’akub and what’s going on with the courts, and why was his release denied, and just see.”
For Vijandre’s supporters, the push extends beyond one case.
“We’re not only here standing up for Yaa’kub,” Ayachi said. “We’re standing up for every single person’s freedom of speech.”