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Honor student detained by ICE day after high school graduation, family in removal proceedings

Jun 17, 2026 · Los Angeles, CA, Nicaragua

Honor student detained by ICE day after high school graduation, family in removal proceedings

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

Jun 17, 2026Immigration court hearing scheduled to determine Wilber's custody status and potential bond release
Jun 10, 2026Wilber detained by ICE during routine check-in appointment at federal courthouse in Los Angeles; separated from mother and taken into custody at Adelanto ICE Processing Center
Jun 10, 2026Wilber's mother and eldest brother entered into removal proceedings and were fitted with ankle monitors
Jun 9, 2026Wilber graduated from Jordan High School with high honors
Dec 2022Wilber's family fled Nicaragua due to political persecution and entered the United States seeking asylum

Sources

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