At a Glance
- Juan Carlos Meija walked out of federal custody after 202 days in ICE detention
- The undocumented Guatemala native was arrested while shopping with his son at a Burbank Home Depot
- Attorney Jeremy Anderson blocked a fast-track deportation by advising Meija not to sign voluntary return papers
- Meija now faces ongoing immigration court proceedings from his Reseda home
Why it matters: The case shows how quickly routine errands can turn into prolonged detention for long-time residents without status, even when they have minimal criminal history.
A Reseda father returned to his family Monday after spending more than six months in federal immigration detention, marking the end of a ordeal that began during a routine hardware-store run.
Juan Carlos Meija, who has lived in the United States for more than two decades, said he was buying work supplies with his son in June when federal agents took him into custody.
From Shopping Trip to Texas Detention
The arrest launched a journey through multiple detention facilities, starting near the Mexican border and later moving to Texas centers. That initial border-state placement put Meija on track for rapid deportation, according to his attorney.
“Two-hundred two days I’m in jail. It’s so hard to stay there,” Meija told News Of Losangeles.
The Guatemala native’s path home began when his family connected with Jeremy Anderson, an immigration lawyer who urged Meija to reject a voluntary departure offer.
“We had told the family, ‘Be careful that he should not sign this voluntary return. He has a good case. This is one, even if he has to tough it out. This is one worth fighting,'” Anderson said.
Legal Strategy and Release
Anderson based his optimism on two key factors: Meija’s minimal criminal history and his two-decade residence in the country. The attorney also requested a transfer to an El Paso facility he viewed as more favorable.
Those efforts culminated in Meija’s release on bail, allowing him to rejoin his children and resume life in Reseda while his immigration case continues.
“I’m so happy to see my life. I’m happy to see my kids. And I’m happy to see all my friends pray for me,” Meija said. “I just want to say, ‘Thank you. Thank you.'”
Case Proceeds Under Trump Administration Policies
Anderson acknowledged the challenging political climate but expressed confidence in the legal merits of Meija’s situation.
“Even in the context of this administration, a strong case is a strong case,” the attorney said. “And to the credit of good immigration judges, we’re not seeing broad deviation from the legal standards.”
He added that while the system faces increased pressure, it continues to function according to established law.
News Of Losangeles contacted the Department of Homeland Security for comment on Meija’s bail and release; the agency has not yet responded.
Meija now awaits future court dates that will determine whether he can remain in the country he has called home for over twenty years.
