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Erasmo Z.: Berks County father with pending U visa repeatedly shackled by ICE

Erasmo Zavala, a Berks County father who cooperated in his daughter's murder investigation, was shackled and shuttled between facilities for nearly two months despite a pending humanitarian visa, until a judge ordered his release.

Jun 2025Temple, PACountry of origin: Mexico

Erasmo Z.: Berks County father with pending U visa repeatedly shackled by ICE
Photo via Spotlight PA

Erasmo Zavala, a Berks County father who had applied for a U visa after cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation into his daughter's murder, was detained by ICE in April 2025 despite his pending humanitarian visa application. During his nearly two-month detention, he was repeatedly shackled at his hands and feet and flown between facilities, including Moshannon Valley Processing Center and a facility in Louisiana, often with no explanation of where he was being taken. He said he was awakened in the middle of the night twice and driven to the airport, fearing deportation to Mexico. Zavala said, 'They treat you as if you really were some kind of criminal. But what kind of criminal dedicates himself to his family and mostly goes from work to home?' He was released following a court order from Judge Stephanie Haines, with his case tied to a dispute over a Trump administration policy rescinding protections for crime victims and witnesses cooperating with law enforcement.

“They put a chain around us and tied it to our handcuffed hands, and they also handcuffed our feet throughout the whole transport process. Sometimes, when you stop and think about it, it feels inhumane.”
— Erasmo Zavala
“They treat you as if you really were some kind of criminal. But what kind of criminal dedicates himself to his family and mostly goes from work to home?”
— Erasmo Zavala

Timeline

Jun 2025—Released from ICE detention after nearly two months, following court order from Judge Stephanie Haines
Apr 2025—Erasmo Zavala detained by ICE despite pending U visa application
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