The recent detention of Felipe Zapata Velasquez, a 27-year-old University of Florida student, by U.S.
The Case: A Traffic Stop Turns into Deportation
Felipe Zapata Velasquez, a third-year undergraduate from Colombia studying at the University of Florida, was pulled over in Gainesville on March 28, 2025, for multiple traffic violations: driving with a suspended license, having an illegal license plate, and operating a vehicle with an expired tag. During the stop, he informed the officer that he was an international student on an F-1 visa, in the process of renewing both his driver’s license and visa. Despite this, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office arrested him for the violations.
What began as a routine traffic stop quickly escalated into an immigration nightmare. On March 31, Zapata Velasquez was released to ICE custody, transferred to Jacksonville, and then to the Krome Service Processing Center in Miami-Dade—a facility known for its harsh conditions. ICE later confirmed that Zapata Velasquez’s student status had been terminated in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) on March 4, 2025, due to his failure to enroll, rendering him “illegally present” in the U.S. Faced with the choice of prolonged detention while fighting his case in immigration court or self-deportation, Zapata Velasquez chose to return to Colombia, as confirmed by ICE on April 9, 2025.
The Bigger Picture: DUI Arrests and Visa Revocations
While Zapata Velasquez’s arrest was for traffic violations, not a DUI, his case highlights a broader trend that I’ve seen in my practice: a DUI arrest—even without a conviction—can trigger visa revocation for non-citizens, particularly under the Trump administration’s heightened immigration enforcement. This often happens under a health-related ground of inadmissibility outlined in INA § 212(a)(1), which flags individuals for “habitual drunkenness.” This isn’t a new provision, but its application feels more aggressive now, with immigration authorities increasingly using DUI arrests as a basis to question a person’s admissibility.
Here’s how this typically unfolds:
- Visa Revocation Process: If you’re arrested for a DUI, the U.S. Department of State may revoke your visa, citing concerns about habitual drunkenness. (See, INA § § 101(f)(1); 212(a)(1)(iii)(iv); see also Ledezma-Cosino v. Lynch, 857 F3d 1042(2017)). This doesn’t automatically affect your nonimmigrant status while you remain in the U.S., nor does it immediately trigger removal proceedings. However, it becomes a significant issue if you leave the country.
- Medical Evaluation Abroad: Once your visa is revoked, you’ll need to apply for a new one to re-enter the U.S. This process often requires a medical evaluation by a panel physician abroad, who will assess your alcohol use. The evaluation may involve alcohol counseling or screening, and the physician must certify that you’re not inadmissible due to alcohol-related issues before a new visa can be issued.
- Timing Challenges: The real problem is the timeline. Scheduling appointments with both the panel physician and the U.S. consulate can take months. I’ve had clients stuck abroad for extended periods—sometimes missing school, work, or important family events like weddings—simply waiting for these appointments. The process is slow, and the backlog at consulates can exacerbate the delay.
- Travel Risks: If you have a DUI arrest on your record and plan to travel internationally, you need to understand the risks before leaving the U.S. A revoked visa won’t affect you while you’re here, but once you depart, you may not be able to return without going through the medical evaluation process. I’ve had clients ignore this advice, only to find themselves stranded abroad for months, unable to return to their studies or jobs.
A Perfect Storm: Immigration Enforcement in 2025
The Zapata Velasquez case is part of a broader wave of immigration crackdowns in 2025. Since the Trump administration reasserted its hardline stance on immigration, international students have faced increased scrutiny. Reports indicate that students at Columbia University, Tufts University, the University of Alabama, and Harvard have also been detained by ICE, often for minor infractions or visa violations. In Alachua County alone, 12 ICE holds have been placed on individuals arrested in 2025, with 32 since March 2022.
In Florida, the environment for non-citizens has grown increasingly hostile. The Florida Atlantic University Police Department’s recent partnership with ICE—the first of its kind for a college campus—signals a trend of local law enforcement collaborating with federal immigration authorities, even in educational settings. U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost called Zapata Velasquez “the latest victim of Trump’s disgusting campaign against immigrants,” while Florida Representative Yvonne Hinson criticized the detention as “outlandish and quite alarming” for a minor traffic offense.
What This Means for International Students in Georgia
For international students in Georgia, the Zapata Velasquez case and the broader trend of visa revocations tied to DUI arrests highlight several critical risks:
- Minor Infractions Can Escalate: Zapata Velasquez’s traffic violations—driving with a suspended license and expired tags—led to his detention and deportation. A DUI arrest, even without a conviction, can have similar or worse consequences, including visa revocation and inadmissibility concerns.
- Visa Status Is Fragile: Zapata Velasquez’s F-1 visa status was terminated in SEVIS for failing to enroll, making him vulnerable to ICE action. If you’re on a student visa, you must maintain active enrollment and comply with all visa requirements. A DUI arrest can complicate this further by raising questions about your admissibility.
- Travel After a DUI Arrest Is Risky: If you’ve been arrested for a DUI, traveling internationally can lead to significant complications. Your visa may be revoked while you’re abroad, requiring a medical evaluation and a new visa application before you can return. This process can leave you stuck outside the U.S. for months, disrupting your studies and life.
- ICE Detentions Are Harsh: Zapata Velasquez was transferred across Florida—from Gainesville to Jacksonville to the Krome Detention Center—within days of his arrest. ICE gave him two options: fight his case in detention or self-deport. Without immediate legal support, he chose to leave. This underscores the speed and severity of ICE actions.
How to Protect Yourself: Advice from a Georgia DUI Attorney
As a Georgia DUI attorney with extensive experience defending international students, I’ve seen how quickly a legal issue can spiral into an immigration crisis. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself:
- Avoid Legal Trouble: The best defense is prevention. Ensure your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and tags are up to date. If you’re struggling with alcohol use, seek help before it leads to a DUI arrest. Even a single arrest can trigger visa revocation and inadmissibility concerns.
- Don’t Travel After a DUI Arrest: If you’ve been arrested for a DUI, avoid international travel until your case is resolved and you’ve consulted with an attorney. Leaving the U.S. can lead to visa revocation, and the process to obtain a new visa can be lengthy and uncertain.
- Know Your Rights: If you’re stopped by police or detained by ICE, you have rights. You don’t have to answer questions about your immigration status without a lawyer present, and you’re entitled to legal representation. If ICE comes to your door, they need a judicial warrant to enter—don’t open the door without one.
- Get Legal Help Immediately: If you’re arrested for a DUI or any other offense, contact a DUI attorney who understands the immigration implications. I can work to resolve your criminal case in a way that minimizes the risk of visa revocation, and I can coordinate with an immigration attorney to protect your status.
A Lawyer’s Perspective: Fighting for Your Future
The intersection of DUI arrests and immigration enforcement is a minefield for international students. Zapata Velasquez’s case shows how a minor traffic violation can lead to detention and deportation, while the broader trend of visa revocations for DUI arrests adds another layer of risk. As a Georgia DUI attorney, my goal is to prevent these outcomes by fighting your case on both the criminal and immigration fronts.
If you’re facing a DUI charge, I can explore defenses such as challenging the legality of the traffic stop, the accuracy of the BAC test, or negotiating a plea to a lesser charge that won’t trigger immigration consequences. If you’ve already been arrested and are considering travel, I’ll help you understand the risks and develop a plan to protect your visa status. And if ICE gets involved, I’ll work tirelessly to secure your release and keep you in the U.S. to continue your studies.
The detention of Felipe Zapata Velasquez and the growing trend of visa revocations for DUI arrests are stark reminders of the challenges international students face in the U.S. Under the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies, even a minor legal issue can lead to life-altering consequences. If you’re an international student in Georgia facing a DUI arrest, traffic violation, or any other legal issue, don’t wait to seek help. The stakes are too high, and the system is unforgiving.
About George C. Creal, Jr., P.C.
As a dedicated Georgia DUI attorney, I’m here to protect your rights, fight for your future, and help you navigate the complex intersection of criminal and immigration law. Contact my office today for a consultation. Let’s work together to ensure a single mistake doesn’t derail your dreams.
George Creal is a seasoned Georgia DUI and criminal defense attorney with a proven track record of defending clients, including international students, against DUI charges and immigration challenges. With offices in Atlanta, he serves clients throughout Georgia, bringing expertise, tenacity, and compassion to every case.
Why Choose George Creal for Your DUI Defense?
Navigating Atlanta’s DUI court requires precision and expertise. George Creal’s deep understanding of the Municipal Court’s SOPs ensures every step—from arraignment to trial—is handled strategically. Whether it’s filing timely waivers, securing discovery, or negotiating favorable pleas, George Creal fights to protect your rights and future.
Facing a DUI charge? Contact George Creal today for a consultation and let an experienced Atlanta DUI lawyer guide you through the process with confidence.
Disclaimer
This blog post summarizes the Atlanta Municipal Court DUI Division’s SOPs for informational purposes. For legal advice tailored to your case, consult directly with George Creal.