Catalina “Xochitl” Santiago, a 28-year-old DACA recipient and community activist, remains in ICE custody at the El Paso Processing Center after her August 3, 2025 arrest at El Paso International Airport. Her detention has prompted protests, statements from local leaders, and renewed debate over the limits of DACA.
What happened and where the case stands
- Arrest and transfer: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) detained Santiago at the airport on August 3, 2025, while she was traveling to a work conference for La Mujer Obrera. She was later transferred to ICE custody and is held at the El Paso Processing Center pending removal proceedings.
- Status today: As of August 9, 2025, Santiago remains in ICE custody. She has been served a Notice to Appear before an immigration judge, which initiates her removal case.
- DACA details: Santiago is a DACA recipient with approval valid until April 29, 2026. DHS officials state that DACA does not provide legal status or immunity from deportation when a person faces certain criminal charges.
According to ICE and CBP statements, Santiago’s record includes charges for trespassing, narcotics possession, and possession of drug paraphernalia, along with earlier Arizona charges in 2020 for drug paraphernalia, possession of a dangerous drug, and possession of marijuana. Officials say these charges make her an enforcement priority even while she holds DACA.
Protests, support, and community response
Dozens of advocates, families, and faith leaders have gathered outside the ICE facility on Montana Avenue to call for Santiago’s immediate release. Organizers emphasize her role helping women and families through La Mujer Obrera and broader community organizing.
- Public officials and faith leaders:
- Rep. Veronica Escobar (El Paso): Issued a statement expressing concern and calling for due process, noting Santiago’s contributions to the city.
- Bishop Mark Seitz (El Paso Diocese): Publicly supported Santiago and said:
> “We’re saying this person is not a threat from everything that we’ve seen and if there is a case against her she should have a right to admit her day in court in order to prove that for the federal government.”
Advocates warn that detaining a high-profile organizer sends a message that could discourage immigrant leaders from speaking up. They argue the case is about more than one person—it’s about whether people feel safe joining public life.
What DACA protects — and what it doesn’t
- DACA benefits:
- Temporary protection from deportation (deferred action)
- Work authorization
- DACA limitations:
- DACA is not legal status.
- It can be revoked if DHS finds criminal conduct that conflicts with program rules, or if the person becomes an enforcement priority.
- In 2025, DHS and ICE reiterated that DACA recipients with criminal histories may face enforcement actions even if their DACA approval remains valid.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, removal proceedings can continue against DACA recipients with certain charges or convictions, and a valid DACA approval alone does not prevent ICE from detaining someone or seeking removal.
New twist: incentives for voluntary departure
DHS officials are promoting a voluntary departure option that includes $1,000 and a free flight for undocumented immigrants—including DACA recipients with criminal records—who choose to self-deport through the CBP Home App. The program is intended to speed departures and reduce detention populations.
Advocates warn this creates extra pressure on detainees, who may feel pushed to forgo their legal defenses in exchange for the incentive.
How removal cases like this usually move
Typical path for removal proceedings:
- Arrest by CBP or ICE: Happens at airports, checkpoints, or during routine operations.
- Transfer to ICE custody: Processed and moved to a local facility (e.g., El Paso Processing Center).
- Notice to Appear (NTA): ICE serves an NTA (issued on Form I-862 (Notice to Appear)) listing the reasons the government believes the person is removable. You can view the official form here: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-862.pdf
- Finding a lawyer: No government-appointed counsel in immigration court; many seek help from legal aid groups.
- Judge review: An immigration judge reviews charges and defenses (community ties, hardship, other relief). Relief is limited for those with criminal records.
- Possible outcomes: Release on bond or parole, continued detention, an order of removal, or (less often) relief allowing the person to stay.
- Voluntary departure: Some choose self-deportation, sometimes influenced by incentives like those offered in 2025.
Practical steps for families and supporters
- Check on the case: Call the ICE Detention Reporting and Information Line (DRIL) at 1-888-351-4024 to get information or raise concerns.
- Get legal help: Contact trusted groups such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC), or local organizations like La Mujer Obrera.
- Document equities: Collect evidence of community ties, work history, letters of support, and medical records—these are considered by judges.
- Plan for court: Track all hearing dates carefully. Missing a hearing can lead to a removal order.
For facility information and contact details for the El Paso Processing Center, see the official ICE page: https://www.ice.gov/detention-facility/el-paso-processing-center
Voices from each side
- ICE/CBP: Santiago is in custody due to criminal charges; DACA does not block removal in such cases.
- La Mujer Obrera and community activists: She is a vital advocate, and they argue her detention is unjust and chilling.
- Bishop Seitz: Calls for due process and her release.
- Rep. Escobar: Urges due process and highlights Santiago’s service to El Paso.
- Legal experts: Note that DACA is limited and does not guarantee protection from removal when criminal issues are present.
Why this case matters beyond one person
Advocates say the detention of Catalina “Xochitl” Santiago could deter other immigrants from attending public events, volunteering, or joining trainings—especially if they fear a past charge will trigger detention. Local and national groups are watching to see whether this case influences how authorities treat DACA recipients with criminal histories.
What comes next
- Hearing timing: Santiago’s initial hearing date had not been made public as of August 9, 2025.
- Policy outlook: No major DACA changes were announced in 2025, but enforcement against those with criminal records remains a DHS priority.
- Advocacy: Protests and legal action are likely to continue. If the case escalates, it could attract greater national attention.
Key takeaways
- DACA is not legal status. It provides limited protection and work authorization, but does not shield recipients from removal when criminal charges are involved.
- Catalina “Xochitl” Santiago remains detained at the El Paso Processing Center, with removal proceedings pending.
- A new voluntary departure incentive offers $1,000 and a free flight, which may influence detainees’ decisions.
- Families should act fast: seek counsel, gather supporting documents, and monitor hearing dates closely.
- For information or concerns, call DRIL at 1-888-351-4024.
This Article in a Nutshell
Catalina “Xochitl” Santiago’s August 3, 2025 arrest at El Paso airport sparked protests as ICE holds her at El Paso Processing Center. DACA protection expires April 29, 2026, but DHS says criminal charges can trigger removal. Community groups demand release, legal help, and due process while hearings proceed unknownly.
