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San Antonio father detained by ICE at job site, family forced from home

Apr 17, 2026·Location: San Antonio, TX

Country of origin: Mexico

San Antonio father detained by ICE at job site, family forced from home
Photo via KSAT

Octavio Daniel Cabrera Valdez, a 36-year-old Mexican immigrant who fled cartel violence in Monclova, Mexico, was detained by ICE while at work in April 2026. He had a valid work permit and had applied for a green card through his U.S. citizen mother. A Stockdale Marshal's Office officer asked him and his coworkers for papers before turning him over to ICE. He was the sole provider for his partner and two children, ages 8 and 4, and had also cared for his U.S. citizen parents; he has siblings who are also U.S. citizens and has worked in the energy industry after years living in the U.S. He has been held at the Karnes City detention facility, where he reports scarce food, an untreated rash he attributes to insect-infested bedding, and delayed medical care. His family sold their belongings, was forced from their apartment, and moved to another part of Texas, where they now avoid going out for fear of arrest. U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro has called for his release and visited the Karnes facility in June 2026 to review his case and the conditions there.

Timeline

Apr 17, 2026—Held at Karnes City detention facility, describing scarce food, untreated rash, and delayed medical care
Apr 17, 2026—Family forced from their apartment and relocated elsewhere in Texas, avoiding public activity out of fear
Apr 17, 2026—U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro calls for his release from ICE detention
Apr 16, 2026—Detained by ICE at his job site in Texas after being asked for papers by a local officer
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