Federal agents arrest longtime undocumented migrant with guns drawn in home raid
Heavily armed federal agents detained Dante Lopez, a longtime Florida resident without a criminal record, sparking fears of deportation.
CORAL SPRINGS, Florida (CNN) – Federal agents armed with rifles, shields, and tactical gear arrested an undocumented migrant in Coral Springs, Florida, on Wednesday, leaving his family and neighbors in shock.
Dante Lopez, who has lived in the U.S. for 15 years without a criminal record, was taken into custody after agents forcibly entered his home. His daughter, Camilla Lopez, described the dramatic scene, saying, “They sounded mad. They were yelling. They were screaming at my dad. I saw my dad, he was in fear.”
Arrest Sparks Outrage in the Community
Neighbors recorded video of the raid, expressing disbelief at the overwhelming show of force.
“They were going to war with a man with his family there,” one neighbor said. Another, Joe, added, “They were armed to the teeth, banging on that door, yelling, ‘Either you open it up, or we’re going to knock it down.’”
Lopez’s Immigration History and Asylum Case
Dante Lopez, who has lived in the U.S. for 15 years without a criminal record, was taken into custody after agents forcibly entered his home.
Lopez, a father of three, had been complying with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) check-ins since 2022 while awaiting a decision on his asylum case. He originally entered the U.S. on a visa but was deported after it expired. He later re-entered the country illegally, fleeing guerrilla warfare threats in his native Peru.
His attorney, Yoel Lemus, criticized the arrest, stating, “That should not have happened. If the person is completely abiding by the rules, checking in, and is not a threat to the community, he should be allowed to stay home and await his proceedings.”
What Happens Next?
Lopez’s legal team is pushing for a credible fear interview within 10 days, which could determine his eligibility for asylum. However, Lemus doubts the process will move quickly, citing a significant backlog in immigration cases.
The Department of Homeland Security has not responded to requests for comment. Meanwhile, Lopez’s family and supporters continue to advocate for his right to remain in the U.S.
