NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Democratic Party stands with Nashville Noticias reporter Estefany Rodríguez Florez and her family following her detention by federal immigration agents in South Nashville. Rodríguez Florez is a respected journalist who has covered immigration issues and community stories across Middle Tennessee, and her detention has raised serious concerns for many Tennesseans who believe everyone deserves to be treated fairly and with dignity under the law.

Rodríguez Florez came to the United States legally after facing death threats in Colombia and has been following the legal process. She was detained outside a South Nashville gym while in a vehicle with her husband, a U.S. citizen, when agents surrounded their car and demanded she be taken into custody. Her attorneys say there was no warrant for her arrest and have filed an emergency petition in federal court seeking a review of the legality of her detention. Rodríguez Florez’s legal team is fighting for her reunification with her husband and young daughter.

“Estefany Rodríguez Florez is a journalist, a mother, a wife, and a member of our Nashville community who has been doing everything the complex and broken immigration system has asked of her.

When Donald Trump and his Republican sycophants push harmful policies, it is our neighbors, friends, and community members who end up caught in the crosshairs. No family should have to live in fear of being separated from their loved ones, and no journalist should have to worry about reporting on the realities facing their community.

Our communities are stronger because of immigrants who have chosen to call Tennessee home. We stand with Estefany, her family, and the many Tennesseans who believe our government must respect due process, protect press freedom, and treat every person with dignity”, said Luis Mata, Communications & Deputy Executive Director of the Tennessee Democratic Party.