Costa Rican TikTok star Julián Valverde detained by ICE in Orlando
Sep 17, 2025·Location: Orlando, FL
Country of origin: Costa Rica

Costa Rican content creator Julián Valverde, known online as Julián Valjota, was detained after being stopped by Orlando police while driving. The 26-year-old, whose full name is José Julián Valverde Meneses, had lived in the United States for more than five years after leaving Costa Rica for work opportunities. He was held for nearly 24 hours without appearing before a judge, and the reasons for his detention have not been made public. Costa Rica's Foreign Ministry said it is making inquiries with U.S. immigration authorities, and a Costa Rican lawmaker called on the government to protect Valverde and other Costa Ricans held by ICE.
Sources
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