Immigration judge orders release of Park City man detained by ICE

Lisandro Pantaleon Pacheco, a Park City High School alumnus and University of Utah student, was detained by ICE on April 29 while on his way to work in Park City, according to his girlfriend and attorney. Photo: GoFundMe

Lisandro Pantaleon Pacheco, a Park City High School alumnus and University of Utah student, was detained on April 29 on his way to work in Park City.

PARK CITY, Utah — An immigration judge has ordered the release of Lisandro Pantaleon Pacheco, a Park City man whose detention by immigration agents last month drew public concern from family, friends, and members of the local community.

The judge ordered Pacheco’s release Thursday after his legal representatives filed a petition arguing that federal authorities lacked legitimate grounds to keep him in custody, KSL reported. The order said federal officials “shall not impose any additional restrictions” on Pacheco unless a future custody hearing determines they are necessary, according to KSL.

Pacheco, 22, was detained April 29 on his way to work in Park City. TownLift previously reported that Pacheco is a Park City High School alumnus and University of Utah student.

His girlfriend, Britney Xiques, told TownLift at the time that Pacheco was driving to his job at The Bagel Den around 6 a.m. when he was pulled over and detained. Xiques said she grew concerned after he did not respond to her morning text and began tracking his location, which showed him at an immigration facility in West Valley City.

Pacheco was later transferred out of state and held at an immigration detention facility in California City, California, before the judge ordered his release, KSL reported.

Pacheco was brought to the United States from Mexico by his parents when he was 1. His family and supporters have said he grew up in Park City, has no criminal history, and has deep ties to the community.

Adam Crayk, Pacheco’s Utah attorney, told KSL the case was unusual because the judge did not require a bond hearing before ordering the release. Crayk said the judge appeared concerned that Pacheco had no criminal history or characteristics suggesting he posed a danger.

Crayk also told KSL he believes Pacheco may have been targeted because he is Latino.

Pacheco and Xiques, a U.S. citizen, are expected to marry, and Pacheco plans to apply for U.S. residency, Crayk told KSL after the release.