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Fifth-grade ESL teacher detained after routine immigration check-in

Sep 3, 2025 · San Antonio, TX, Cuba

Fifth-grade ESL teacher detained after routine immigration check-in

Roberto López Falcón, a Cuban immigrant and fifth-grade ESL teacher at Hart Elementary School in Austin, was arrested on September 3, 2025, during a routine check-in appointment in San Antonio. He entered the U.S. without authorization in March 2022. López Falcón has been held at a federal immigration facility in Karnes County for three weeks with limited communication access. The school district replaced him with a substitute teacher and offered counseling services to students, though initially told them he was sick rather than explaining his detention.

Timeline

Sep 24, 2025López Falcón held for three weeks with limited communication; Austin ISD replaces him with substitute and offers student counseling
Sep 3, 2025ICE detains at least five Austin ISD employees including López Falcón during routine check-in in San Antonio; López Falcón transferred to Karnes County federal facility

Sources

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