Bakersfield College students are rallying for one of their own detained by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, but the agency says they had good reason to make the stop.

Those at Wednesday’s event said Jose Bello-Reyes is a hard worker trying to get his business degree. But ICE says Bello-Reyes is a known gang member who was convicted of violent crimes and deported to Mexico before he crossed back into the US.

He was detained during a traffic stop last week along with his brother.

Kelli Pierce