Guatemalan Man Endures Extreme Heat on Roof to Evade ICE During Alabama Raid

Alabama, USA – A recent operation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a construction site in Alabama led to the detention of dozens of migrant workers, sparking concerns among human rights advocates. Among those arrested was Francisco Chicabal, a Guatemalan national, who reportedly spent over two hours on the roof of a house under construction, enduring extreme heat exceeding 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius), in an attempt to evade capture. According to Univision Noticias, which reported on the incident, the raid commenced around 11:00 AM. Witnesses described a chaotic scene where several workers sought refuge on the roof, including Mr. Chicabal and Erika Reyes, a Honduran immigrant. Despite the intense heat, federal agents reportedly denied water to the migrants on the roof. Ultimately, a fire truck arrived on the scene, and agents utilized a telescopic ladder to ascend and apprehend the workers. It remains unconfirmed whether Francisco Chicabal is still in detention, has been released, or has been repatriated to Guatemala. The operation has drawn criticism from families and migrant rights defenders, who question the methods employed in such operations and the treatment of undocumented workers.