Independent · Local · Community-first
U of U Student Detained by ICE Days Before Graduation
Lisandro Pantaleon Pacheco, 22, was detained while driving to his first day of work and was set to graduate May 1, according to his attorney.
A University of Utah student who was preparing to graduate this week has reportedly been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement just days before receiving his degree.
According to attorney Adam Crayk, 22-year-old Lisandro Pantaleon Pacheco was taken into ICE custody on the morning of April 29 while driving to the first day of a new job in Park City. Pacheco was expected to graduate May 1 from the University of Utah’s College of Health with a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism.
Crayk said Pacheco has lived in the United States since he was one year old after being brought to the country by his mother. The attorney also stated that Pacheco’s only known offense is a traffic citation.
In addition to preparing for graduation, Pacheco had reportedly recently purchased an engagement ring and planned to propose to his girlfriend shortly after commencement ceremonies.
Pacheco is currently being held at a county jail in Evanston, Wyoming, according to Crayk. His legal team is monitoring where he may be transferred next and says additional legal action could follow depending on the location of his detention.
As of Thursday, federal agencies had not publicly responded to questions regarding the case. The situation remains ongoing.
