Protesters Demand Justice for Deported Livermore Dad Miguel Lopez

URGENT UPDATE: A rally is currently underway outside a federal courthouse in San Francisco as supporters demand the return of Miguel Lopez, a longtime resident of Livermore, who was deported to Mexico this past summer. At least two dozen protesters gathered outside the courthouse at 450 Golden Gate Ave. on October 30, 2025, chanting “Bring Miguel Home” and “Due Process For All.”

Lopez has been separated from his family for over five months after the Department of Homeland Security deported him in June, just hours before a judge ordered that he be allowed to stay in the United States. The emotional toll on his family is palpable, with his wife, Rosa Lopez, expressing that the absence of her husband is overshadowing upcoming holidays. “He’s just so ready to come home,” she stated before the hearing.

Supporters attempted to attend Lopez’s case management conference in the courtroom of Judge Trina Thompson, but were turned away by U.S. Marshals, who indicated the courtroom would be empty. Instead, the family was forced to gather in the building’s cafeteria, anxiously watching the hearing via their phones.

Lopez, who now resides outside of Mexico City, streamed his hearing live, awaiting critical information on whether he can reunite with his wife and children in Livermore. Rosa, accompanied by their son Julian, a senior at Granada High School, and their daughter, Stephanie, shared her fears about the family’s holiday celebrations without Miguel. “I pray every day that my family can be together,” she implored.

The urgency of this case is underscored by the complexity of immigration law. Saad Ahmad, Lopez’s attorney, highlighted that the case is “very unique” and emphasized that Miguel never had a proper opportunity to argue for his permanent residency status, which was revoked without a fair hearing. “This is one of the first cases of its kind. There’s never been anything like this before,” Ahmad remarked.

Community members rallied in support of Lopez, including retired firefighter Chris Lima, who stated, “I wanted to support the Lopez family and the institution of due process.” Ward Kanowsky, an organizer for Indivisible Tri-Valley, declared to the crowd, “We’re not going to forget Miguel. And we’re not going to give up this effort until we bring Miguel home.”

As the hearing concluded, the frustration and determination among supporters grew. Laura Brown, a teacher at Granada High School who taught Lopez’s eldest son, emphasized, “Miguel’s home is not in Mexico, a place he hasn’t lived for over 25 years. His home is in the Tri-Valley.”

This ongoing situation highlights the urgent need for reform in the immigration system, as families like the Lopezes face devastating separations. The community’s response today reflects their solidarity and commitment to ensuring that due process is upheld for all.

The next steps in Lopez’s case remain uncertain, but his family and supporters are resolute in their fight to bring him back to the community that he has called home for decades. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.