A Michigan man who had been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been released following a federal judge’s intervention. The judge ordered ICE to either release the man or provide a bond hearing, allowing him to argue for his release while his immigration case continues.
Jose Contreras-Cervantes, a longtime Michigan resident, was released after the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan filed a lawsuit challenging ICE’s practices. This legal action resulted in the release or bond hearings for Contreras-Cervantes and ten other immigrants.
Miriam Aukerman, an ACLU senior staff attorney, highlighted the ongoing legal successes against a specific Trump administration policy. This policy, which restricts access to bond hearings, has been deemed illegal by several courts, yet ICE continues its enforcement. “Court after court is saying that what the Trump administration is doing is illegal. Yet, ICE hasn’t stopped,” Aukerman stated. “Well, if ICE isn’t stopping, we’re not stopping either.”
Contreras-Cervantes’ journey in the United States began when he was 14, and he has lived there for nearly two decades without legal status. He and his wife, Lupita, share three children, all U.S. citizens.
The family has faced difficulties before, as Contreras-Cervantes was diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening leukemia in 2024. Their troubles intensified on August 5, 2025, when he was pulled over for a traffic violation in Macomb County, leading to his detention by ICE despite having only minor traffic offenses.
Aukerman criticized the situation, stating, “What we’re talking about here is ripping families apart for absolutely no reason.” During his detention, Contreras-Cervantes experienced limited access to leukemia treatment, even going weeks without necessary medication.
He was not granted a bond hearing, which Aukerman attributes to a recent ICE policy that denies bond hearings to individuals accused of illegal entry, even those with no criminal record. She argues this policy is unprecedented, as undocumented immigrants have historically been entitled to bond hearings, allowing them to reunite with their families while contesting their cases.
Aukerman noted the courts have consistently ruled against this policy, yet ICE persists. She contended that the policy exemplifies a lack of due process and accused ICE of prioritizing “cruelty” over justice. Understanding and asserting their rights, she emphasized, is crucial for those affected.
According to ICE’s website, the agency’s mission is to safeguard U.S. national security and public safety by enforcing immigration laws. A Homeland Security spokesperson, explaining the bond hearing restrictions announced in July, stated the policy enforces the law as intended to ensure national safety.
Ultimately, Contreras-Cervantes’ release and reunion with his family was a significant “victory,” Aukerman expressed. She recounted a touching moment shared by Lupita, describing how their young daughter clung to her father overnight, leading to the “best sleep ever” despite the soreness he felt.
Although the future remains uncertain as Contreras-Cervantes’ immigration case is ongoing, Aukerman remarked on the determination of a father battling cancer to reunite with his family, a resolve federal authorities might have underestimated.
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