BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – An immigration advocate in Leeds now finds herself in the very situation she’s spent years helping others avoid.
24-year-old Giovanna Hernandez, a social worker and community organizer, was taken into ICE custody following a recent traffic stop in Leeds. She is currently being held at a detention facility in Louisiana.
The Leeds Police Department released dashcam video Friday night showing the stop that led to Hernandez’s arrest. Officers say she was pulled over for speeding and reckless driving on the highway. According to a post on the department’s Facebook page, Hernandez was allegedly driving up to 91 miles per hour, following too closely, and weaving in and out of traffic. Police also say she provided only a Mexico-issued identification card during the stop.
Hernandez’s family disputes that account, claiming the video shows only that she was speeding. Her brother, Dilan Hernandez, strongly criticized the department’s claims and referenced the Facebook post in which officers cited newly signed state legislation.
“She was staying in her lane. Yes she was going over the speed limit a little bit but everything else is completely false. Not to mention they even quoted on that same post, yesterday Governor Ivey signed SB 53 which is in effect, ‘show me your papers law.’ It does not take effect until October 1 of 2025,” Hernandez said.
Supporters are rallying to show their support. A peaceful protest is planned outside a gas station on Grants Mill Road Saturday morning from 7:30 to 11 a.m.
Later that day, at 2 p.m., Saint Theresa’s Catholic Church in Leeds will hold a Mass where parishioners will publicly call for her release.
The Hernandez family says they have lived in the United States for 17 years but have struggled to obtain citizenship. Giovanna Hernandez’s first court date is set for August 18.
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