Family Faces Uncertainty as Son Detained by ICE After Graduation

Wilber Urbina Garcia planned to tackle several errands following his high school graduation. He aimed to set a bright path for his future. As the first in his family to graduate, he was eager to collect his diploma, return a textbook, and register for classes at El Camino College. However, these tasks were postponed by a required check-in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Wilber’s family, originally from Nicaragua, arrived in the U.S. seeking asylum in late 2022. Their morning started before dawn, heading to the federal courthouse for their 8 a.m. appointment. Yet, they returned home without Wilber, detained by immigration agents. His older brother, Winston Garcia, expressed the family’s anguish. “All he wanted was to learn, but all of his dreams just came crashing down,” Winston said. He voiced uncertainty about Wilber’s fate.

Despite the difficulties, the Garcias celebrated Wilber’s achievements. On June 9, he graduated with high honors from Jordan High School. Family photos captured moments with friends, teachers, and counselors who later penned character references, emphasizing Wilber’s dedication and leadership at school.

Wilber’s accomplishments extended beyond academics. He indulged in vintage video games and learned baseball with peers. He also cherished making gallo pinto, a Nicaraguan breakfast dish, for his mother after completing school assignments. Their lawyer, Armineh Ebrahimian, spoke about the family fleeing political persecution in Nicaragua under President Daniel Ortega. They sought safety and opportunity in the U.S. and were granted work permits during their asylum process.

Previously, the Garcia family participated in biannual ICE check-ins, which recently increased to monthly. Despite having submitted all paperwork properly, they were not alarmed by a June 10 check-in. However, that day agents took Wilber alone into an interview room without explanation. Hours later, an agent informed Yadira, Wilber’s mother, that he was detained since he had turned 18, no longer included under her asylum case.

Ebrahimian insisted Wilber should remain part of his mother’s application, as it was filed when he was under 21. An immigration lawyer in Los Angeles echoed this, noting children remain linked to their parent’s case until age 21. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed a pending asylum application provides no legal status, and a child under a parent’s case doesn’t lose their claim when turning 18.

Yadira Garcia tried to stay compliant with immigration requirements. “I follow all the rules. I haven’t missed a single appointment. I don’t know why they did this to us,” she said. Their lawyer pleaded with ICE to free Wilber and provided supporting letters. Despite Ebrahimian’s efforts, the situation remained challenging.

Wilber, separated from his family, texted his brother, Winston, that he was detained. Later, Winston received a brief call from Wilber, detained at a processing center, asking him to collect his diploma and inform the college he couldn’t attend. The family remained in disarray, with Winston having nightmares about his brother’s welfare. The mother and eldest son faced numerous ICE appointments and proceedings, impacting their daily lives and employment.

In their living room, Wilber’s cap and gown hung beside a Virgin Mary altar, decorated with blue and white gems of the Nicaraguan flag. The cap bore the words, “Gracias Dios por este logro — Thank you, God, for this accomplishment.” The family clung to hope amid their unfolding challenges.