Fundraiser launched for man detained by ICE near Deer Valley

Jabier Lopez Valvuena. Photo: GoFundMe

PARK CITY, Utah — A fundraiser has been launched to support legal expenses for a longtime Park City-area resident who supporters say was detained by federal immigration authorities last week while driving to work near Deer Valley Resort.

According to a GoFundMe campaign created by family friends, Jabier Lopez Valvuena was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on April 29 at approximately 7 a.m. near Empire Pass.

The fundraiser alleges Lopez Valvuena was stopped by individuals in unmarked vehicles while on his way to work and describes the incident as racial profiling. Federal officials have not publicly commented on the circumstances of Lopez Valvuena’s detention.

Supporters say Lopez Valvuena has lived in the community for more than 20 years and has no criminal record. A search of Utah’s court document database did not pull up any records under Lopez Valvuena’s name.

“Everyone who knows him can attest to his kindness and willingness to help others,” organizers wrote on the fundraising page.

The campaign also says Lopez Valvuena pays taxes annually using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN, and describes him as a close family friend to many in the community.

According to organizers, Lopez Valvuena has retained legal representation and is facing significant legal expenses as his case moves forward.

Funds raised through the campaign will go toward attorney fees and other legal costs associated with his immigration case, organizers said.

The fundraiser comes amid heightened local concern following recent reports of federal immigration enforcement activity in Summit County and broader questions about surveillance technology used by local law enforcement agencies.

As of Tuesday, the fundraiser remained active online and had raised $8,165 of the $12,000 goal. Organizers said they hope community support will help Lopez Valvuena remain with his family and continue living in the community he has called home for decades.