The following statement was made by Des at the time of his surrender to federal custody after a “clerical error” resulted in his November 26th release:

Hello! First of all. All honor and glory to creator for granting me the miracle of being here.

My name is Daniel Sanchez “Des,” and I’ve lived in the Dallas–Fort Worth area most of my life. I have been incarcerated in a federal facility about 5 months since July 6.

I want to be very clear. I did not participate. I was not aware nor did I have any knowledge about the events that transpired on July 4 outside the Prairieland Detention Center. Despite not having any knowledge or not having been near the area at all, I was violently arrested at gunpoint for allegedly making a “wide turn.” My feeling is that I was only arrested because I’m married to Mari Rueda, who is being accused of being at the noise demo showing support to migrants who are facing deportation under deplorable conditions. For this accusation, she’s being threatened with a life sentence in prison.

My charge is allegedly having a box containing magazine “zines,” books, and artwork. Items that are in the possession of millions of people in the United States. Items that are available free online, and available to purchase at stores and online even at places like Amazon. Items that should be protected under the First Amendment “freedom of speech.” If this is happening to me now, it’s only a matter of time before it happens to you.

I believe there’s been almost 20 people arrested in supposed relation to this public noise demo. More than half of those were arrested days later despite not being in the area and are now facing a slew of outrageous charges, in what seems like a political persecution to instill fear on people exercising their First Amendment right.

On November 2 around 9 a.m. while still in federal custody, I was suddenly ordered to pack all of my property, rushing me and refusing to let me know where I was going. I began to think the worst: that I was being moved away from loved ones for no reason other than to continue to put pressure on me to sign a plea agreement for something I didn’t do. Later on, I was told my charges had been dismissed and I was being released. But since I didn’t hear from my lawyer, I thought they were messing with me. Two hours later, I was being walked out of the prison with no paperwork. It felt like psychological torture, the anxiety, the uncertainty. I imagined they would just wait for me to walk out to arrest me again somehow.

The last few days have been very surreal, and it’s been a roller coaster of emotions. The fear and anxiety that they would raid my loved ones again or try to add more fictitious charges. To the love, joy, and laughter of seeing my family and hugging them one more time after the trauma we all endured. It’s a blessing, and we celebrated my birthday, Xmas, and New Years in one night.

I’m not a violent person. I love people and animals, walking in nature, making art, reading, cooking vegan food for people, teaching kids, and doing fundraisers for people and animals that need help. I co-parent a really cool stepdaughter who is amazing and super funny, and tragically, is now having to live without two of her most important adults, [me and Mari,] who were abruptly taken away from her. I’m thankful for everyone showing her and my family love and care while we overcome this tragic situation.

This has been a confusing, bittersweet moment, embracing my loved ones, just to be taken away from them again. The charges I and others are facing are scary, and I would be lying if I said I’m not scared. I love this country and the promise of freedom of speech, justice, equity, and the pursuit of happiness. I’m not hiding. I’m not fleeing. And obvious I’ve never been a danger to the community. I’m turning myself in for trial because I’m innocent.

With a desire for a world full of love, kindness, empathy, equity, and freedom. Like in sunflowers breaking through concrete. Like butterflies flying freely. Under the same moon. I will continue to walk with dignity. I have faith and living hope in my heart.

Thank you all for the support. I can feel all of your love. I’m beyond grateful for every letter, poem, book, donation, and every prayer.

Honor creator and all existence.
Love your neighbor as yourself.
No one is free, until all are free.
Blessings.