Family of detained Wendell woman to ask court for her immediate release

WENDELL, N.C. (WTVD) -- A Wake County woman remains in federal custody as her family fights for her release.

Fatima Issela Velasquez-Antonio, 23, was detained by immigration officials while working in Raleigh, despite having a pending asylum case. Her family plans to ask a court Wednesday for her immediate release after a judge denied bail for the second time Tuesday.

Velasquez-Antonio, who fled Honduras at 14 after gang members murdered her father, is currently being held in a Georgia detention center.

Her family describes the situation as heartbreaking and hopes for her release soon.