LEEDS, Ala. (WIAT) -- Giovanna Hernandez, a graduate of Jacksonville State University who was detained by ICE after an August traffic stop in Leeds and later returned to her home country of Mexico, turned to Facebook Tuesday to make a statement thanking those who have been supporting her.

Hernandez, 24, came to the U.S. with her younger brother when she was seven, according to her attorney, Allen Shabani. She graduated as valedictorian from Leeds High School, later earning her bachelor's and master's degrees from JSU. According to her brother, Dilan Hernandez, she had recently been working with HICA as an immigration advocate.

Her statement reads:

"Hi everyone. I have so many things to say and struggling to find the right words to express myself. For now, I want to extend my deepest dee

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