Ecuadorian Immigrant Detained, Deported Despite Pending U Visa

Church leaders across the country tried to stop the deportation of Manuel Mayllazhungo, who had a pending U visa application.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Manuel Mayllazhungo, a 37-year-old Ecuadorian immigrant with a pending U visa application, was detained by ICE agents in July 2025 while waiting to pick up a coworker. Despite his legal status and efforts by his lawyer and church leaders to stop his deportation, Mayllazhungo was ultimately deported to Ecuador in September 2025 after being held in detention for over two months in poor conditions.

Why it matters

This case highlights the erosion of due process protections for immigrants in the U.S., with the Trump administration arguing that detainees are not entitled to challenge their removals before a judge. It also demonstrates the challenges faced by immigrants with pending legal status applications in navigating the immigration system, even when they have support from community organizations.

The details

Mayllazhungo was detained by ICE agents while waiting in a van with a coworker. Despite showing his work permit and explaining his pending U visa application, he was arrested and taken into custody. His lawyer, Tina Colón Williams, tried for days to reach ICE officials to explain Mayllazhungo's situation, but her calls and emails went unanswered. With time running out before Mayllazhungo's scheduled deportation, Williams mobilized church leaders in Buffalo and Phoenix to intervene, but ICE refused to release him or halt the deportation process.

  • On July 11, 2025, Mayllazhungo was detained by ICE agents.
  • In late July, Mayllazhungo was transferred back to the detention center in Batavia, New York.
  • On August 29, the immigration judge denied Mayllazhungo's motion to reopen his case.
  • On September 2, Allison Lang from a Batavia church delivered Mayllazhungo's stay of removal request to ICE.
  • In late September, Mayllazhungo was deported to Ecuador.

The players

Manuel Mayllazhungo

A 37-year-old Ecuadorian immigrant with a pending U visa application who was detained by ICE and ultimately deported to Ecuador.

Tina Colón Williams

Mayllazhungo's lawyer who specializes in removal defense and tried unsuccessfully to stop his deportation.

Allison Lang

An operations director at a Free Methodist Church in Batavia, New York who hand-delivered Mayllazhungo's stay of removal request to ICE on behalf of his lawyer.

María

Mayllazhungo's partner who has limited English and Spanish abilities and is undocumented, making it difficult for her to assist in his case.

ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

The federal agency that detained and deported Mayllazhungo despite his pending U visa application.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.