El Monte undocumented mother released from immigration detention center after two weeks

After two weeks of detention at the Otay Detention Center in San Diego, Yolanda Magallón Pérez was released on Tuesday night. The bittersweet moment was celebrated by her daughter, Xitlali Tejeda, who is battling bone cancer. 

Once outside, Pérez hugged her daughter tight. She said she was very happy to be released while holding a sign that said “Sí se pudo” (Yes, we did it).

“I want to thank everyone for all the support you have given my family and me. I don’t know how to repay it but thank you, and yes, we did it,” Pérez told the activists who fought for her release. 

Pérez was detained on February 24 at her home in El Monte. ICE was looking for her older son, Jonathan Tejeda, who had minor non-criminal offenses. She was taken as collateral damage. Xitlali was left behind without being able to help her family because she is very ill. 

Pérez had her bond hearing on Tuesday at 9 a.m. with Judge Anne Kristina Perry, who heard both Pérez’s and the DHS’s attorneys. Perry dismissed the plaintiff’s claim that Pérez was a threat. 

She committed a minor theft charge 20 years ago when she stole food. Her attorney, David Alcalin said she paid the fine and that case was closed many years ago. There were no other charges on her record.  

Some activists, like Octavio Solorio, arrived at the courtroom where the bond hearing occurred. Solorio said there were about 20 people in the room. The judge set a bail of $1,500 to release Pérez. 

“I wanted to clap when she was granted the bond, but I just snapped my fingers because everyone was quiet,” said Solorio. When and if the deportation proceeding will take place is unknown.

Activist Flor Martinez wasn’t at the hearing due to a conflict of schedule, but she has been advocating for mother and daughter since day one. She said she and other activists have been participating in sit-ins, and the judge acknowledged she hadn’t seen so much support for a person in the past. 

Released at night Activist Ana Garcia said they stood outside the detention center the whole day until about 9:30 p.m., when Pérez was finally released. She said there was originally a discrepancy about when Pérez would be released due to documentation procedures. However, activists and members of the media stood outside waiting. 

Xitlali was also waiting for her mother and said she was also very glad to see her outside. Martinez said they will continue advocating for Pérez so she can remain in the country taking care of her daughter.