In a dramatic turn of events that is now drawing national attention, Martin Majin, a longtime Pomona business owner and father of seven, has been released from federal custody without bond Wednesday April 23, 2025 following his arrest by U.S. Border Patrol agents about 48 hours prior.
The decision, handed down by a federal magistrate judge in Riverside County, cited Majin’s longstanding community ties, lack of criminal record, and significant property holdings in the region. The ruling came amid public outcry and heightened media scrutiny surrounding the manner of his arrest.
In an interview Sheryl Turner from The Pasadena Media Foundation, in collaboration with South Pasadenan News, hear their story, combined with official court records, paint a more nuanced and personal portrait of the man at the center of a story now capturing headlines across California and the nation.
Arrest Without Warning
Mr. Majin was arrested on April 22, when federal agents surrounded him outside his barbershop in Pomona. Security footage shows multiple agents confronting him at gunpoint as he attempted to open the gate to his business. The family says no warrant was shown, and no information was provided for more than 30 hours.
“We had no idea where he was,” said one of his sons. “No call, no paperwork—he just vanished. If we didn’t have cameras, we wouldn’t have even known what happened.”
The arrest sparked concern among local immigrant communities and gained additional attention when it was discovered that it occurred the same day as an ICE operation at a Pomona Home Depot involving over a dozen day laborers.
Federal Charge Dates Back to 2003 Deportation
According to court documents, Majin now faces a single federal charge under Title 8 U.S. Code §1326(a), for unlawful reentry following a 2003 deportation to Mexico. According to an affidavit filed by U.S. Border Patrol, the 2003 removal came after his application for legal residency was denied due to an earlier unauthorized entry.
In 2009, while attending a final fingerprinting appointment for immigration processing, Martin Majin was detained and deported again—without appeal or notice to the family. He later returned to the United States and resumed his life openly under his legal name, including operating a licensed barbershop and obtaining a California-issued cosmetology license.
“He’s had a legitimate business for over 30 years,” said his son. “He pays taxes, owns property, and contributes to the community. He’s not hiding.”
Judge Orders Release: No Bond Required
At his Riverside hearing, a federal magistrate declined to impose a bond, concluding that Majin posed no flight risk. The court considered several factors, including:
• His lack of criminal history
• Consistent tax filings and property records
• Two real estate holdings in his name totaling over $1.5 million
• Long-term employment and family ties in the Pomona area
“He has more to lose than gain by fleeing,” the judge noted, according to a source familiar with the proceedings. “There is no evidence of criminal conduct beyond the immigration matter.”
Majin was released pending his next court date on May 29, 2025.
Family Speaks: Fear, Anger, and a Call for Respect
The family told The South Pasadenan they were traumatized by the arrest, particularly given the military-style approach taken by federal officers and the lack of communication during detention. They also shared concerns about potential racial targeting of Latino communities.
“Why go in like that, with rifles?” said his son. “He’s a barber. He has health issues. He needs insulin every day.”
The family says they had no idea how federal authorities located him and have raised questions about data-sharing between state agencies and immigration authorities. Mr. Majin recently updated his driver’s license with his business address, a detail some believe may have triggered enforcement action.
Medical Concerns During Detention
Majin has long suffered from type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, conditions that require multiple daily medications. His family feared for his safety during the 30 hours he was held without communication.
“No one asked if he needed medicine before they took him,” said his son. “We didn’t know if he was getting care or not.”
Public Statement from Martin Majin
Through a written statement provided to The South Pasadenan News & Local News Pasadena, Mr. Majin expressed thanks for the support and emphasized that he is fully cooperating with authorities.
“This is not just about me,” he wrote. “It’s about how we treat the people who live next door—barbers, parents, workers—people who are part of our communities.”
He added that he would provide further comment only after consulting with legal counsel and asked for privacy for his family, home, and business in the meantime.
Court Date Coming Up Soon
The case is far from over. Though released, Martin Majin still faces prosecution under federal immigration law. But for now, he is home.
His family and supporters say the release affirms what they’ve long argued—that “Our dad is not committing criminal evasion, but of a man who built a life, contributed to his city, and deserves due process, not military rifles in his face”
This article was produced in collaboration with Sheryl Turner of the Pasadena Media Foundation.
