Guatemalan immigrant detained at restaurant, wife fights for his release in federal court
Jul 14, 2026·Location: Weston, WV
Country of origin: Guatemala

Erick Lionel Cristal Cumes, a Guatemalan immigrant, was detained by ICE on May 28 at Don Patron Mexican Grill in Weston during a raid that also resulted in the detention of more than a dozen other employees. He has been held at Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Pennsylvania since his arrest. Cumes is married to Lauren, an American-born citizen whom he married in April; they have been together four years. His attorney argues ICE violated his constitutional rights by detaining him without individualized assessment of flight risk or danger to the community. A federal judge ruled Cumes is entitled to a bond hearing and that his continued detention would be unlawful if the government cannot prove he poses danger or flight risk, with a bond hearing ordered by July 14. Over 50 community members appeared in federal court on June 25 to support Cumes, testifying he is a member of the community in good standing. Lauren testified about poor detention conditions including spoiled food and lack of responsiveness to requests for help, stating she is allowed contact with her husband about once per day. His attorney also argued the case should remain in West Virginia court rather than be transferred to Pennsylvania, contending that transfer could delay resolution of his case.
Timeline
Sources
- Wife of detained Bridgeport, W.Va. immigrant continues wait for husband's release - West Virginia Press Association
wvpress.org·Jul 13, 2026·archived copy
- Wife of detained Bridgeport, W.Va. immigrant continues wait for husband
- Federal court hears arguments in ICE detention cases of two Don Patron employees
WDTV·Jun 25, 2026·archived copy
- bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com
- Judge weighs whether ICE detainee
- Attorneys for two NCWV ICE detainees plea with federal court to keep cases in West Virginia
Yahoo News·Jun 26, 2026·archived copy
- A look at 'Operation Country Roads,' West Virginia's ICE operation
KUNM·Aug 6, 2026·archived copy
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