RELEASE: Estefany Rodríguez Flórez Granted Bond by Immigration Judge, But ICE Threatens Appeal Keeping Her in Detention
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2026
Contact: Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition
Immigration Judge Grants Bond for Estefany Rodríguez Flórez, But ICE Threatens Appeal Keeping Her in Detention
Nashville, TN— This morning in immigration court in Louisiana, Estefany Rodríguez Flórez was granted bond by an immigration judge, set at $10,000. However, Estefany will not be released today because the attorney for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reserved their right to appeal the bond. This afternoon at a virtual press conference her immigration attorney and husband spoke on her current condition and legal process.
Joel Coxander, Estefany’s immigration attorney, shared the update that if ICE does appeal, Estefany will remain in detention waiting for the Board of Immigration Appeals to review the bond appeal. “What we need is for her to be returned home,” stated Coxander. “But that would not be the end of our work. We continue to press forward in her habeas case that her arrest and ongoing detention were outside the law. Today TIRRC attorney Mike Holley filed our strongest argument yet. We look forward to the opportunity to advocate for Estefany tomorrow in the first habeas hearing.” He reiterated that Estefany has followed immigration law each step of the way, saying Estefany has “taken all of the correct steps required in her pursuit of permanent residency. Rodríguez is married to an American citizen, has applied for a green card, and has a valid work permit. She first came to the US on a tourist visa but after arriving in the US she filed a claim for political asylum because she was threatened and targeted in Colombia due to her reporting on the corruption within the Colombian government.”
Estefany’s husband, Alejandro Medina III, shared the appreciation he and their family have for all the support they have received. “Estefany is a pillar of strength for all of those that surround her and even though her resilience supersedes in these inhumane conditions, her concern and advocacy for others is unwavering even as she is transported across the country and without contact with her attorney for over a week due to the cruel conditions that exist in ICE detention.”
He ended by saying, “As a heartbroken and worried husband, I’m hoping and praying that Estefany comes home soon and we are able to proceed with the adjustment of status process for her to become a permanent resident and eventually a citizen. And as an American Citizen I have that same hope and prayer for everyone across the country who is in a similar situation with a loved one that is unjustly detained or who has been deported. Our families belong together and this broken immigration system has deeply harmed thousands upon thousands of families across the country and I hope and pray our families are back together soon.”
Lisa Sherman Luna, Executive Director of the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC), closed by reminding the press that the habeas petition filed by TIRRC and Joel Coxander will be heard in federal court tomorrow.
BACKGROUND
Nashville reporter arrested by ICE asserts First, Fifth Amendment violations in new legal filings : 3-10-26
Judge orders ICE to explain detaining Nashville reporter: 3-10-26
Husband of Nashville Reporter Gauges the Hole Created When ICE Detained his Wife 3-10-26
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The Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) is a statewide, immigrant and refugee-led collaboration whose mission is to build power, amplify our voices, and organize communities to advocate for our rights in order to build a stronger, more inclusive Tennessee where people of all nationalities, immigration statuses, and racial identities can belong and thrive. Since its founding in 2001, TIRRC has grown from a grassroots network of community leaders into one of the most diverse and effective coalitions of its kind, a model for emerging immigrant rights organizations in the Southeast and throughout the United States.