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San Antonio high school student and father detained by ICE, released after advocacy

May 26, 2026 · San Antonio, TX

San Antonio high school student and father detained by ICE, released after advocacy

Alejandro, a 10th-grade student at Churchill High School, and his father Jairo were detained by ICE on May 17, 2026 while driving to an after-school soccer game in San Antonio. Unmarked vehicles surrounded their car and transported them to the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley. Both are asylum seekers who followed proper legal procedures to enter the country. During detention, Alejandro reported difficulty eating and emotional distress while missing critical final days of his school year and his mother. U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro visited them on May 26 and advocated for their release, citing the need for humane treatment. Following these advocacy efforts, their release was set to occur.

Timeline

May 29, 2026Release set for Friday following advocacy efforts
May 26, 2026Rep. Joaquin Castro visited detention center and called for their release, citing Alejandro's emotional distress and need for humane treatment
May 17, 2026Alejandro and father Jairo detained by ICE while driving to after-school soccer game in San Antonio; transported to South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley

Sources

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