‘I only know Tucson’: Dreamer faces hearing next week | Local News

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – A Tucson DACA recipient recently detained and released on bond from an U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility is speaking out.

Cyclists took to Tucson’s southside Friday night to stand with Dreamer, Karla Toledo. The send-off for the ride took place at the El Pueblo Activity Center. Toledo told those gathered that she feels guilt because she is out of the Eloy Detention Center, while many others remain there.

The 31-year-old was one of more than two dozen people who joined the bike ride, which the group, Families United Gaining Accessibility, or FUGA hosts once a month. The progressive veterans group, Common Defense, was the main organizer of Friday’s “La Rosa Ride” for Toledo and immigrant families. 

Toledo said she was initially unaware of the community support her case garnered.

“I was completely astonished that my community showed up and they were behind me, and I was not alone,” Toledo told News 4 Tucson.

Riders had a chance to donate Spanish books for those in detention, eat and stand with Toledo.

“Karla’s not just a statistic of this administration, she is our friend, she is our sister, she is our community member, and we want you to know Karla that we got you,” Tucson Vice Mayor Lane Santa Cruz told Toledo.

A DHS spokesperson wrote the following in part last week about Toledo’s detainment: “On May 18, 2026, ICE arrested Karla Toledo, an illegal alien from Mexico, during a targeted immigration enforcement operation near Tucson, Arizona. During the operation, Toledo assaulted a law enforcement officer—a felony and crime—that was attempting to apprehend another individual.”

The spokesperson continued, “Toledo illegally entered our country on October 12, 2024, and was released into the United States by the Biden Administration. At the time of her arrest, ICE had an active warrant and a pending application for DACA . . .”

Toledo’s co-counsel, Mo Goldman, denied those claims. Toledo is not discussing specifics of her case, but told News 4 Tucson she is nervous ahead of a hearing next week and the possibility that she could still be sent back to Mexico.

“I’m definitely scared because I was one years-old when I came to this country, so I only know Tucson,” Toledo said.

Toledo said her first hearing in front of a judge is next Wednesday at 8:30 a.m at the Tucson Federal Building.