Teen Released After Weeks of Uncertainty
A 15-year-old Houston boy, Emmanuel Gonzalez-Garcia, was released Friday night from the Office of Refugee Resettlement after spending 48 days in federal custody. His mother first learned he was being held by the government nearly a week after reporting him missing.
How the Teen Was Taken Into Custody
Emmanuel disappeared on Oct. 4 while selling fruit with his mother and sister in Spring Branch. Houston Police located him the next day, but federal officials say he couldn’t identify himself or relatives. His family says he is autistic and sometimes non-verbal. ICE assisted HPD in transferring him to federal child-welfare custody, stressing he was never held by ICE itself.
Family’s Search and Community Support
For days, Emmanuel’s family had no information about his whereabouts until an Oct. 10 press conference with FIEL Houston prompted HPD to alert them that he was in ORR custody. Congressman Al Green and community advocates later joined calls for his release.
Medical Emergency While in Custody
On Oct. 13, Emmanuel underwent emergency appendix surgery. His mother was able to visit him during his recovery while he remained under ORR supervision.
Emotional Reunion
After nearly 50 days, Emmanuel was reunited with his mother Friday night, bringing an end to a stressful and confusing ordeal for the family.
For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.