We, the undersigned concerned citizens and defenders of the First Amendment, demand the immediate and unconditional release of Estefany Maria Rodriguez Flores, a dedicated journalist for Nashville Noticias.
On March 4, 2026, Estefany was intercepted and detained by ICE agents while in a news vehicle clearly marked with her outlet's logo. Despite being a documented individual with a valid U.S. work permit, an active application for lawful permanent residency, and a marriage to a U.S. citizen, she was hauled away
Most alarmingly, her legal team has filed an emergency petition in federal court stating that agents failed to produce a judicial warrant at the time of her arrest.
This detention is more than an immigration matter; it is a direct assault on the freedom of the press. Estefany has a long history of reporting on the impact of immigration policies, often providing a critical lens on federal enforcement operations. To arrest a journalist without a warrant—specifically while they are in a marked press vehicle—is a tactic used to intimidate the media and silence those who hold the government accountable.
Journalism is not a crime. The right to report on the government is a protected pillar of our democracy. By detaining a reporter who has followed every legal step to maintain her status, ICE is signaling that no one—not even those with legal work authorization—is safe from warrantless seizure. This overreach separates a family and silences a vital voice for the community.
We demand that:
1 ICE immediately release Estefany Maria Rodriguez Flores from custody and return her to her family.
2 The Department of Homeland Security cease all retaliatory actions against journalists and members of the press.
3 The federal government uphold the due process rights of documented workers and respect the First Amendment.
The eyes of the nation are watching. We stand with Estefany, her family, and the constitutional right to a free press.
Sign today to demand justice and the immediate release of Estefany Rodriguez Flores.
