Arlington Council Urged to Support DACA Recipient

0:00It's April 2nd. You're listening to Dallas News today, AI-powered local news. I'm Corey with the story. Supporters of Yakuob Ira Vihondra, a Filipino DACA recipient in Arlington, urged the city council to pass a resolution calling for his release from ICE detention. He arrived in the U.S. with his parents at age 14 and got picked up at his home last October. All officials want to end his DACA status over his social media posts criticizing injustices in war on terror cases, which his lawyers say is, protective free speech. Earlier this week, at the March 24th City Council meeting, friends and activists highlighted Vihondra's work photographing Palestine protests. And his role as a community organizer, they raised alarms about ICE operations in Arlington and the harsh conditions he's facing, like being crammed in a room with 75 others. During a heat wave with broken air conditioning, supporters shared stories of his good character

1:00and pushed back on the detention, arguing it tests Arlington's values as the American Dream City. One student noted how immigrants build the community from campus live to local spots like Asia Times Square, and fear this sets a bad precedent for everyone. His attorney told Council members that while immigration isn't their lane, they can voice support for constitutional rights. After 168 days locked up, the group emphasized how his fate shapes what the city stands for. Mayor Jim Ross met with him afterward, saying he's concerned about anyone getting snatched up like that and plans to dig deeper into the case. As an Arlington resident, Vihondra deserves their ear, and this push keeps the conversation alive on local support amid federal moves.