Bryan José Rojas Galofre, a Venezuelan migrant, and his wife, Socorro Zaragosa, traveled from Wisconsin to Miami in January 2025 to celebrate their marriage and hoped to see former President Donald Trump at Trump National Doral. Upon arrival, they were detained after a security checkpoint search revealed an airsoft gun and a marijuana grinder in their vehicle. Rojas was taken into custody by ICE, leading to a lengthy legal battle that affected their family finances and left Zaragosa to care for their newborn alone.
Rojas, who arrived in the U.S. in 2021 and was in the process of adjusting his immigration status, spent nearly three months in detention while authorities investigated potential gang affiliations due to his tattoos. His attorney, Tahimi Rengifo, stated that Rojas had no criminal record and was not a threat. Rojas was eventually released on bond in April 2025.
The Department of Homeland Security referred to Rojas as a "criminal illegal alien" and emphasized that under the current administration, individuals with criminal records are not welcome. Rojas expressed frustration over the situation, stating that he has lost significant assets due to legal fees and bail, accumulating debts exceeding $80,000. Despite the ordeal, Zaragosa maintains her support for Trump, attributing their situation to their own decisions rather than the former president's policies. Rojas has appealed to the government for compassion towards migrants who are contributing positively to society.