Fact Check: "ICE moved Sotelo over 1,500 miles without notifying his family or attorneys."
What We Know
Moises Sotelo-Casas, an Oregon vineyard manager, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on June 12, 2024, outside a church in Newburg, Oregon. Following his arrest, reports indicate that he was moved to a detention facility approximately 1,500 miles away in Arizona, operated by the same company managing Guantanamo Bay (The Daily Beast). His family and attorneys reportedly did not receive notification of his transfer, raising concerns about ICE's communication practices regarding detainees (Happy Muncher).
In May 2025, the American Immigration Lawyers Association announced that ICE would begin notifying attorneys when their clients are transferred between detention facilities. However, this notification process would not apply if a detainee is moved to a facility designed for short-term stays of less than 72 hours (Immigration Policy Tracking). This raises questions about whether Sotelo's transfer fell under the new guidelines, as his move to Arizona was not disclosed to his family or legal representatives at the time.
Analysis
The claim that ICE moved Sotelo over 1,500 miles without notifying his family or attorneys is supported by multiple reports. The Daily Beast specifically mentions that Sotelo was transferred to a facility in Arizona, and his family was not informed of this move (The Daily Beast). Additionally, the lack of notification aligns with ICE's historical practices, as the agency has been criticized for not informing families or legal representatives about detainee transfers (Happy Muncher).
However, the introduction of a new notification policy by ICE in May 2025 complicates the situation. While this policy aims to improve communication, it does not retroactively apply to cases like Sotelo's, which occurred prior to its implementation. This suggests that while the claim is accurate regarding the lack of notification, it is also important to consider the context of ICE's evolving policies.
The sources used in this analysis include a credible news outlet, The Daily Beast, which provides detailed accounts of Sotelo's situation, and the Immigration Policy Tracking website, which outlines the recent changes in ICE's notification policy. Both sources are reliable, but it is essential to note that they may have varying degrees of bias based on their editorial perspectives.
Conclusion
Verdict: Needs Research
While there is substantial evidence supporting the claim that ICE moved Sotelo over 1,500 miles without notifying his family or attorneys, the evolving nature of ICE's policies and the timing of the notification changes necessitate further investigation. Additional information about the specific circumstances of Sotelo's transfer and the applicability of the new notification policy is required to draw a definitive conclusion.
