For Immediate Release: February 10, 2025
Virginia – The unjust detention of U.S. Army veteran Marlon Parris by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has sparked outrage among veteran and civil rights organizations. Virginia LULAC joins Common Defense and veteran leaders in demanding his immediate release and a full investigation into ICE’s actions.
On January 22, 2025, ICE agents ambushed Marlon Parris outside his home as he was leaving for work, detaining him without warning. Parris, who served three tours in Iraq and has lived in the U.S. for over 20 years as a permanent resident, had previously been assured by ICE that he was not subject to deportation due to his military service and the nonviolent nature of his past conviction.
🚨 This is an outrage. No veteran should be treated this way.
Parris had been carrying a “Letter of No Interest” from ICE, a document that explicitly stated the agency would not seek his deportation. Despite this, he was taken into custody and placed in the Central Arizona Florence Correctional Center, a private detention facility. His detention raises grave concerns about the targeting of immigrant veterans and the abuse of immigration enforcement powers.
A Call to Action
Virginia LULAC demands the immediate release of Marlon Parris and calls for accountability from ICE for violating its own commitments. We urge all Americans, especially those who support veterans, to take action.
📢 Sign the petition to demand Marlon’s release:🔗 https://commondefense.us/free-marlon-parris
Marlon Parris served this country with honor and was promised that his service would be recognized. His detention is not only unjust but a betrayal of the values we claim to uphold for those who sacrifice for this nation.
Background on Marlon Parris
Served three tours in Iraq with the U.S. Army (2001-2007)
Honorably discharged and later diagnosed with PTSD and brain trauma related to his service
Legal U.S. resident for more than 20 years
Previously assured by ICE that he was not subject to deportation
Has a family, including seven children, who now face uncertainty
His detention occurred just two days after the presidential inauguration, raising serious concerns about a return to harsh immigration policies that target noncitizen veterans and legal residents with past convictions—even when they have served their time and rebuilt their lives.
Join the Movement
Virginia LULAC stands with Common Defense and other advocacy groups in calling for an end to these unjust detentions. No veteran should be treated like this.
📢 Sign the petition. Make your voice heard. Demand justice for Marlon Parris.
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About Virginia LULAC
Virginia LULAC is the Virginia Chapter of The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in the United States. Virginia LULAC is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latinos in the Commonwealth through advocacy, education, and community engagement.
For media inquiries, please contact: Virginia LULAC – virginialulacofficial@gmail.com