Catalina “Xochitl” Santiago, a dedicated immigration activist and DACA recipient, finds herself in a precarious situation, having spent over 50 days in immigration detention in El Paso, Texas. Despite her legal status in the United States, her case exemplifies a troubling trend where the Trump administration appears to be employing tactics that could effectively undermine the protections offered by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This initiative was designed to shield certain undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children from deportation, yet recent developments suggest that the administration is seeking to exploit loopholes to expel individuals like Santiago.
Santiago, 28, was detained on August 3 while attempting to board a flight to Austin. Nearly two months later, she remains in an immigration processing facility, with her family expressing deep concern over the toll this ordeal is taking on her mental and physical well-being. Her brother, Jose, noted, “She’s holding on, but it’s been over a month, so that takes a toll.” The emotional strain of prolonged detention is compounded by the uncertainty surrounding her future.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has cited a past arrest for narcotics and trespassing as justification for Santiago’s continued detention, despite the fact that she was never prosecuted due to “insufficient information.” This raises significant questions about the fairness and transparency of the immigration system. Federal Judge Kathleen Cardone recently extended a restraining order preventing the administration from deporting Santiago, yet she did not rule on her release, leaving her status in limbo.
Santiago’s case is emblematic of a broader strategy that immigration experts argue the Trump administration is employing to dismantle DACA without inciting the public outrage that accompanied previous attempts to end the program. Diana Pliego, a senior strategist at the National Immigration Law Center, remarked, “It’s obvious that they’re trying to evade a public reaction. What they’re trying to do is quietly end it, essentially slashing and killing DACA in front of us, one case at a time, one individual at a time.” This insidious approach has already seen nearly 20 DACA recipients detained in the past year alone, according to a tracker launched by a coalition of immigration organizations.
The implications of Santiago’s detention extend far beyond her individual circumstances. Bridget Pranzatelli, an attorney with the National Immigration Project, highlighted the potential for the administration’s tactics to set a dangerous precedent. “The government holds this position that they are able to initiate removal proceedings against anyone who is not a citizen of the United States,” she stated, emphasizing that this interpretation of the law is not supported by legal precedent. If the administration can successfully argue for indefinite detention, it could effectively strip DACA recipients of their protections without due process.
Santiago’s friends and family have rallied around her, emphasizing her commitment to community organizing and immigrant rights. Christine Miranda, a close friend, described her as a “lifelong community organizer” who has always fought for the rights of others. The community’s support has manifested in rallies and advocacy efforts aimed at securing her release, highlighting the solidarity that exists among those who share her plight.
As the legal battle continues, the stakes remain high. Santiago is set to renew her DACA status in 2026, but her continued detention raises serious concerns about her ability to do so. Pranzatelli warned that if Santiago remains in custody when her renewal period arrives, it could lead to the de facto termination of her DACA status, circumventing the legal processes designed to protect her.
The urgency of this situation has drawn the attention of lawmakers as well. Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., condemned the administration’s actions, stating, “As authoritarians, Trump, Noem, Miller, and the rest of the Administration are abusing their power to silence dissent.” She emphasized the importance of standing up for Dreamers and protecting civil rights in the face of such challenges.
As the legal proceedings unfold, a ruling on Santiago’s release is anticipated imminently. Her case serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by DACA recipients and the broader implications of immigration policy in the United States. The fight for justice and the protection of immigrant rights continues, underscoring the resilience of individuals like Santiago who refuse to be silenced.
