Criminal charges against undocumented mother involved in Montgomery County detention policy case have been dropped.

Criminal charges against an undocumented woman involved in a controversial case in Montgomery County have been dismissed, leading to significant changes in local policies regarding cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The case surrounding Andrea Lozano-Alanis, 31, who faced charges in a car-ramming incident on June 3 in East Norriton, prompted widespread advocacy against the county’s cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Lozano-Alanis was held at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility despite having her bail set at paid by supporters. Under the previous policy, individuals detained by the county could be held for an additional four hours if ICE issued a detainer, allowing federal authorities to take custody. This policy has since been revoked following public outcry and calls for reform.

The precise reasons for the dismissal of Lozano-Alanis’s charges remain unclear. However, immigrants’ advocates revealed that she is expected to be released from an ICE detention center in central Pennsylvania, following the payment of a ,000 immigration bond facilitated by funds raised through a Go Fund Me campaign. Lozano-Alanis has been held at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center, and upon her release, she is anticipated to return to her home in Norristown.

Supporters, including Jasmine Rivera, executive director of the Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition, celebrated the decision, viewing it as a victory for immigrant rights. Rivera emphasized the importance of Lozano-Alanis’s reunion with her child and her release from detention, which advocates believe she should have never faced.

The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners recently modified directives to ensure that county employees do not assist ICE in immigration enforcement. A new policy prohibits staff from providing information about an individual’s immigration status unless a judicial warrant or subpoena is presented. This follows concerns highlighted by activists regarding the rights of detained individuals, particularly those who met legal bail conditions.

Previously, county officials faced backlash for their practice of detaining individuals beyond their release time due to ICE detainers, prompting reform discussions. Though the commissioners have expressed support for immigrants, they have been reluctant to introduce formal “Welcoming County” ordinances, citing limitations to their authority and concerns about the implications of such regulations.

As this case unfolds, advocates are expected to continue pressing county leaders for more comprehensive policies to protect immigrant rights in Montgomery County. The recent changes indicate a shift in the local government’s approach to immigration enforcement and the rights of undocumented residents.