A Mt Pleasant man was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after a hold in the Washington County Jail. 

According to court records, In June of this year, a Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a car on Highway 218 where 23-year-old Noel Lopez was riding in the passenger seat of the car. The deputy reported finding “loose, green, plant material” that a state forensic lab later confirmed to be marijuana, as well as a vape cartridge containing an amber substance. 

Lopez was arrested in early July, and was charged with a first offense of drug possession and hemp inhalation, both serious misdemeanors. While Lopez was in the Washington County Jail, ICE issued a detainer request, directing local authorities to hold Lopez for up to 48 additional hours after he would be released from the county’s custody. 

According to court documents, on August 13, the charge against Lopez was dismissed, with a plea agreement. On Saturday August 16, Lopez was released from Washington county custody and transferred to the Linn County Jail. Lopez has no other criminal record or charges in Iowa. Protestors sat outside of the Washington County Jail ahead of the transfer.

According to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website, An immigration detainer is a notice the Department of Homeland Security issues to federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to inform them that ICE intends to assume custody of someone in their custody. They ask the law enforcement agency to maintain custody of the alien for up to 48 hours beyond when they would otherwise have been released. 

A request has been filed with area agencies and KCII will bring you more information as it becomes official.