Joswar Torres, a 29-year-old Venezuelan migrant, is now free after being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for seven months. His detention, which began in June 2025 during a routine check-in at the Department of Homeland Security office in Spokane, Washington, drew significant public attention when nearly 2,000 demonstrators protested against his treatment. The protest was particularly notable for its scale and the fact that it led to 30 arrests while highlighting the tensions surrounding immigrant rights in the U.S.

The protestors attempted to block the ICE transport that was transporting Torres and another deported migrant, creating a scene that captured the attention of national media. Although tensions escalated at times, resulting in some damage to government vehicles, the majority of the protest maintained a peaceful atmosphere, with demonstrators forming human barriers against federal agents. This public outcry ultimately contributed to the scrutiny of Torres's case and helped shape public discourse around immigration policies and the treatment of asylum seekers in the United States.

Following the protest and continued advocacy, a federal judge ruled that Torres's detention violated his constitutional rights, leading to his release under humanitarian parole despite his pending asylum application. The case not only highlights the vulnerability of migrants within the U.S. immigration system but also demonstrates the power of community advocacy and the impact of protest in changing individual fates within the system, reminding the public of ongoing struggles faced by migrants seeking asylum and safety in America.