Nashville journalist describes 'inhumane' conditions after 16 days in ICE custody

Estefany Rodríguez Florez was taken by immigration enforcement officials earlier this month.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 9:52pm

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Estefany Rodríguez Florez, a Nashville reporter, was detained by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) earlier this month. She said her life changed on March 4 when immigration agents surrounded her news car as her husband parked it at the gym. Rodríguez's attorneys claim the arrest was in retaliation for her reporting on ICE activity in the area. She was granted bond last week after 16 days in custody, during which she witnessed 'inhumane' conditions, including limited time outside, barely enough time to eat or interact, and concerns for people with medical conditions.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and journalists reporting on ICE activities, as well as concerns about the treatment of detainees in ICE custody. It raises questions about the rights and protections afforded to journalists and the transparency of immigration enforcement practices.

The details

Rodríguez obtained a work visa after coming to the country legally on a tourist visa, applying for asylum, and receiving a work permit. However, ICE claims she has no legal immigration status. During her time in custody, Rodríguez said she couldn't sleep, worried for people with medical conditions, and was limited in her ability to communicate with her husband and daughter. She was initially taken to an ICE field office, then a county jail in Alabama, where she was placed in isolation for five days after mentioning an itchy head, and was then ordered to undress and had a 'chemical liquid' poured over her head, burning her eyes.

  • On March 4, immigration agents surrounded Rodríguez's news car as her husband parked it at the gym.
  • Rodríguez was granted bond last week after 16 days in custody.

The players

Estefany Rodríguez Florez

A Nashville reporter who was detained by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) earlier this month.

United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency that detained Rodríguez, claiming she has no legal immigration status.

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What they’re saying

“Everything you go through is so inhumane that in the end, you're more affected by what you see than by what you actually experience.”

— Estefany Rodríguez Florez, Nashville reporter

“Suddenly, an officer came into the room and said to me: 'Estefany Rodríguez.' So I just stood there, not really knowing what was going on, and he said: 'You're leaving.' I was completely in shock. And yes, it was a moment of joy, but it was also really hard to say goodbye to people who'd been kind to me, to people who were staying behind.”

— Estefany Rodríguez Florez, Nashville reporter

What’s next

Rodríguez's immigration case continues, and she plans to return to reporting for Nashville Noticias soon.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges and tensions between immigration enforcement, journalists reporting on these issues, and the treatment of detainees in ICE custody. It raises important questions about press freedoms, due process, and the transparency of the immigration system.