A 15-year-old undocumented Houston teen with autism is back in federal custody just days after undergoing emergency surgery, sparking outrage from his family and advocates.
Missing Teen Found, Then Detained
Emmanuel Gonzalez Garcia disappeared 10 days ago before being found by Houston police. Instead of being reunited with his mother, Emmanuel was placed under the care of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). After his surgery at Texas Children’s Hospital, advocates with FIEL Houston say ORR detained him again shortly after his mother left his bedside.
Family and Advocates Demand Answers
Maria Garcia, Emmanuel’s mother, spoke at a Houston City Council meeting alongside FIEL Houston, questioning why her son wasn’t returned home. Council Member Mary Nan Huffman said there was confusion over Emmanuel’s name when police located him, which delayed reunification efforts.
HPD stated it spent four hours trying to resolve the case before Child Protective Services advised contacting federal health officials. ICE clarified that it was never involved, but that ORR received Emmanuel following HPD’s call.
City Officials Pledge Action
Mayor John Whitmire promised to assemble a legal team and staff to investigate. “We will hold everyone accountable for what happened,” he said.
Cesar Espinoza with FIEL Houston emphasized that Emmanuel belongs with his mother, stating, “She wants to put the responsibility if anything happens to Emmanuel now, on them, because he should’ve been able to go home.”
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