Chants and signs filled the air outside Washington County Jail this week as community members rallied in support of Noel Lopez a 23-year-old Mount Pleasant man facing detention under a federal immigration hold.
Noel Lopez, who was arrested in Mount Pleasant in June 2025 for possessing marijuana and a vape cartridge, had his drug charges dismissed through a plea agreement. However, while in custody, federal immigration authorities issued a detainer, asking the Washington County Jail to hold him beyond his scheduled release so agents could take him into custody.
Following the dismissal of his charges, Lopez was transferred to The Linn County Jail, on August 16th. A move that sparked protests and concern among local residents about the role of federal immigration enforcement in their community.
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