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5-year-old boy detained with father en route to soccer game, held at Dilley facility

Aug 20, 2026 · Austin, TX, Mexico

5-year-old boy detained with father en route to soccer game, held at Dilley facility

Liam Tadeo, a 5-year-old just days from starting kindergarten, was detained alongside his father, Victor Martinez Nieto, after federal agents stopped their vehicle in Austin as the two were on their way to a soccer game. They were taken to the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, where DHS said they remain together pending Martinez Nieto's removal. Video captured Liam crying as officers arrested his father. His aunt described him in a GoFundMe post as 'a beautiful, intelligent, and big-hearted little boy,' while his mother said the family was devastated. U.S. Rep. Greg Casar publicized the case, calling for Liam's immediate release and the closure of the Dilley facility. Immigration attorney Renata Castro said Liam will likely remain at Dilley for weeks with an uncertain future, and that DHS has made it difficult for attorneys to access clients. DHS said Martinez Nieto, a Mexican national, had previously been arrested and accepted voluntary departure before reentering the country.

Timeline

Aug 20, 2026U.S. Rep. Greg Casar publicizes the case, calls for Liam's release and closure of Dilley facility
Aug 16, 2026Liam Tadeo and his father Victor Martinez Nieto detained during a traffic stop in Austin while heading to a soccer game; taken to Dilley detention facility

Sources

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