High school senior and mother detained at asylum check-in, released in time for graduation
May 28, 2026·Location: Chicago, IL
Country of origin: Colombia

Ricardo Hernandez-Navarrete, an 18-year-old senior at Mather High School in Chicago, and his mother Liliana Navarrete were detained by ICE on March 16, 2026, during a routine check-in appointment for their pending asylum case. The family had entered the U.S. from Colombia in 2022. Liliana was released on May 19, 2026, after a federal judge ordered her release on a writ of habeas corpus. Ricardo was released from federal custody on May 26 and reunited with his mother in Crown Point, Indiana. Ricardo attended his high school graduation ceremony on May 28, 2026, and received his diploma. He is required to wear a wrist monitor and check in with federal immigration officials daily as his case proceeds.
Timeline
Sources
- Ricardo Hernandez-Navarrete, CPS senior detained for 2 months by ICE, graduates high school
- CBS News
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abc7chicago.com·May 26, 2026·archived copy
- CPS student detained by ICE attends high school graduation ceremony after release
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- Teen released by ICE wants to stay in U.S.: "Doing the right things"
aol.com·May 29, 2026·archived copy
- Student speaks out after ICE release, credits faith and community
aol.com·May 28, 2026·archived copy
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