Waldorf Diner Detention Rocks Local Family

Salvador Calderas Lopez was detained by federal immigration agents outside the Silver Diner in Waldorf on the morning of Monday, Oct. 26, according to his family. The detention occurred shortly after 6 a.m., less than 10 minutes after he exited his vehicle.

His sister-in-law, Andrea Chavez-Romero, stated that officers in unmarked vehicles took Calderas Lopez into custody without a warrant or stated reason. She described the family's urgent situation in a GoFundMe campaign, noting that he is a valued community member and father.

Relatives said Calderas Lopez was held in a vehicle for several hours. Around noon on Monday, the family received a call from a holding facility in Baltimore. By that afternoon, they learned he was being transferred to the Farmville Detention Center in Virginia to await immigration proceedings.

Calderas Lopez has lived in the United States for 19 years. His family says he faces possible removal from the country. His children, 11-year-old Nicole and 7-year-old Jeffrey, have struggled to understand his absence. Chavez-Romero wrote that the children have been crying and having difficulty focusing in class.

Jeffrey is scheduled to turn eight on Sunday, Nov. 1. The family has launched a fundraising effort to cover attorney fees, bond, and legal expenses. As of Friday, Oct. 30, the campaign had collected $8,746 from 162 donations toward a $14,000 goal. Organizers stated they are fighting for his release via bond and for the cancellation of removal.

The first immigration hearing is set for Tuesday, Nov. 17. Relatives are working to secure legal representation before that date. The detention took place amid heightened attention to ICE activity in Waldorf. The Charles County Sheriff's Office confirmed that federal agents were attempting to locate a wanted person. Deputies said they had no advance knowledge of the operation and did not participate, citing Maryland's Community Trust Act.

Authorities did not identify the specific person ICE was seeking. It is unclear if Calderas Lopez was the intended target. The family maintains he was detained without a warrant or explanation. ICE has not responded to that allegation in the information provided. Calderas Lopez is currently held at the Farmville Detention Center in Virginia.