Honor student detained by ICE day after high school graduation, family in removal proceedings
Jun 17, 2026·Location: Los Angeles, CA
Country of origin: Nicaragua

Wilber Urbina Garcia, an 18-year-old honors graduate from Jordan High School in South Los Angeles, was detained by ICE on June 10, 2026, during a routine check-in appointment at a federal courthouse the morning after his graduation ceremony. Garcia's family fled Nicaragua in late 2022 seeking asylum due to political persecution and were in asylum proceedings with valid work permits at the time of his detention. Teachers described Wilber as shy but disciplined, with leadership roles by senior year, and he had dreamed of becoming a doctor and registered for fall classes at El Camino College. During the check-in, ICE agents separated Wilber from his mother in an interview room and took him into custody. His attorney stated that ICE agents told the family Wilber was no longer covered under his mother's asylum case because he had turned 18, though as a derivative applicant filed before age 21, he should remain tied to the case. Wilber was detained at Adelanto ICE Processing Center. His mother and eldest brother subsequently entered removal proceedings and were fitted with ankle monitors. An ICE agent told the family that Wilber's 17-year-old sister would face detention when she turns 18.
Timeline
Sources
- ICE detiene a joven graduado con honores tras cita migratoria rutinaria en Los Ángeles
- He graduated high school with honors. ICE detained him the next day
Los Angeles Times·Jun 17, 2026·archived copy
aol.com·Jun 17, 2026·archived copy
- In bed 23 at Adelanto ICE detention center, a terrified teenager missed his mom
Los Angeles Times·Jul 10, 2026·archived copy
- ICE detains South LA honor student day after high school graduation
- He graduated high school with honors. ICE detained him the next day – Los Angeles Times (Me: Best of the best, not worst of the worst)
nedhamsonsecondlineviewofthenews.com·Jun 17, 2026·archived copy
- magzter.com
- Mastodawn
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