ICE Detains Colombian Wrestler in Florida Traffic Stop

Nicolth Hernandez-Lucero, a 24-year-old independent wrestler and surgical technician from Colombia, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during a traffic stop in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on February 11. She has remained in custody at the Broward Transitional Center in Pompano Beach since then.

Hernandez-Lucero, who performs under the ring name Nicolth Lucero, entered the United States legally at age 15 as a dependent on her parents' pending asylum application, according to her attorney, Justin Gould. The family has pursued the asylum process for years, and she holds a valid work permit. Public records show no criminal history for her or her parents. Gould stated that Hernandez-Lucero has complied with all legal requirements during her time in the country.

The detention occurred near St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, where agents approached her vehicle. Her husband, Noah Lazega, a U.S. citizen, said agents informed her they were running license plates in the area. When she inquired about probable cause, the response was unclear, according to Lazega, who recorded a portion of the interaction after she called him during the stop. The couple, legally married...