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.<\/p>\n
ARLINGTON, Texas \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
Dozens spoke on behalf of Yaa\u2019kub Ira Vijandre, a 38-year-old DACA recipient, freelance photojournalist and activist who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in October.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is a DACA recipient with no criminal record,\u201d one speaker said.<\/p>\n
Friends and supporters described Vijandre as a community-focused figure known for helping others.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s always trying to help folks anywhere he goes,\u201d said Mohammed Ayachi, a friend of Vijandre.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no coincidence,\u201d Omar Khattab said. He is a close friend of Vijandre. \u201cIt\u2019s the weaponization of the immigration system.\u201d<\/p>\n
Federal officials have also said Vijandre\u2019s social media posts \u201cglorified terrorism,\u201d a claim supporters dispute, arguing the posts are protected free speech.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m very concerned,\u201d Khattab said. \u201cHe has lost so much weight.\u201d He said Vijandre’s energy seems low, but his faith keeps him going.<\/p>\n
During the meeting, speakers urged Arlington leaders to pass a resolution calling for his release.\u00a0<\/p>\n