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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

High school senior and mother detained at asylum check-in, released in time for graduation
Photo via adn.com

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

May 28, 2026—Ricardo attends and graduates from Mather High School
May 26, 2026—Ricardo released from federal custody and reunited with his mother in Crown Point, Indiana
May 19, 2026—Liliana Navarrete released from detention after federal judge ordered her release on writ of habeas corpus
Mar 16, 2026—Ricardo Hernandez-Navarrete and his mother Liliana Navarrete detained by ICE during routine asylum check-in at federal building
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