CONWAY, Wash. — U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen is stepping in to help Juan Alatorre Martinez, known as the “unofficial mayor of Conway,” who remains in federal custody following his arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in July.
People throughout the community hoped Martinez would be released following an Oct. 8 court hearing, but he remains detained while immigration officials do a background check required for a judge to approve his release.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that agents detained Martinez outside a local store due to two prior arrests on his record.
However, Martinez and his attorney maintain that federal agents apprehended the wrong man, sparking community outrage across Conway.
The delay in Martinez’s release stems from a background check that must be completed before an immigration judge can grant approval.
When asked about the status of the background check, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials referred KIRO 7 to the Executive Office for Immigration Review, an administrative body within the Department of Justice, which has not responded to requests for comment.
Rep. Larsen has taken up Martinez’s case to push federal authorities to act.
“I will keep fighting to cement humanity into U.S. immigration policy and to make sure ICE follows the same rules as every other law enforcement agency,” Larsen said in a statement.
In Conway, signs supporting Martinez are displayed inside and outside Super Duper Foods, the store where he was initially detained.
Hanna Youssef, owner of Super Duper Foods, explained that the ongoing ICE presence has discouraged customers from visiting the business.
“I wish they would go after the criminals, not the hard-working people. Most of our community here are working people.”
Speaking from custody, Martinez recounted what agents told him when he was apprehended.
“They say, ‘I’m sorry it’s not you who we are looking for, but you’re here. So we will take you,’” Martinez said.
“I just want to get out. And I hope you tell everybody outside about my situation and this is…I don’t know what to do anymore. I’m getting crazy. I’m getting resentful," Martinez said about still being detained.
Martinez’s lawyer says they are asking for his green card to be approved before his release.
His next hearing in order to get out of ICE custody is set for November 5th.
©2026 Cox Media Group
