Los Angeles Father Freed After 200 Days in Custody Due to Paperwork Problems

Dad Released After 200 Days in ICE Custody

LOS ANGELES — Juan Carlos Mejía, a Winnetka resident, has returned home after spending approximately 200 days in federal detention. Mejía, who was apprehended by ICE agents last summer in a Home Depot parking lot in Burbank, faced allegations of lacking proper documentation to reside in the United States.

During his time in custody, Mejía, 42, was transferred between various detention centers before finally being released on Thursday, January 8. His absence put significant financial strain on his family, prompting clients of his gardening business to organize a GoFundMe campaign. This initiative helped raise funds to support Mejía’s wife and children, ensuring they could manage household expenses while he was detained.

Now back with his family, Mejía, alongside his attorney, remains hopeful about his future and the possibility of one day becoming a U.S. citizen.