Wilber Urbina Garcia had an extensive list of tasks to accomplish the day after finishing high school. With his diploma in hand, he aimed to return a textbook and register for classes at El Camino College. However, these plans were postponed as the family had to attend a check-in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a routine since they arrived from Nicaragua in late 2022 seeking asylum.
The family left their home in South Los Angeles before sunrise to make their 8 a.m. appointment at the federal courthouse. That evening, they returned without Wilber, who was taken into custody by immigration agents. “All he wanted was to learn, but his dreams came crashing down,” said Wilber’s brother, Winston Garcia.
The Garcias, who fled political persecution in Nicaragua, saw Wilber’s graduation as a significant achievement. Wilber, the first in his family to graduate, was a disciplined and dedicated student. The family celebrated his success by capturing moments with friends, teachers, and counselors, who later provided character references to support his release.
Wilber loved collecting vintage video games and was learning baseball. Despite enjoying leisure activities, he prioritized his studies. His family’s lawyer, Armineh Ebrahimian, mentioned that the Garcias were granted work permits while pursuing asylum. They opted not to share details about the persecution for safety concerns.
“If a person enters our country illegally, they are subject to detention or deportation,”a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated, referring to Wilber’s detention.
In the U.S., the Garcias found opportunities they couldn’t imagine in Nicaragua. Wilber’s mom, Yadira Garcia, obtained stable employment, ensuring food security and a future for her children. The two youngest siblings fantasized about their educational opportunities, with Wilber committed to becoming a doctor.
The asylum application was split, covering Yadira and the younger children under one case. Wilber was considered a “derivative” of his mother’s case, eligible for asylum while underage. Despite attending appointments on time, a hearing officer detained him for being 18, labeling him an adult. Ebrahimian contends that Wilber’s status shouldn’t have changed.
In Los Angeles, aggressive immigration enforcement has intensified legal challenges. Detention follows routine check-ins, which caught the Garcias by surprise. ICE agents suddenly escalated their check-in frequency to once a month, setting a worrying precedent.
The ordeal began when Wilber entered an empty interview room during a check-in. Yadira learned hours later that Wilber was detained because he was no longer under her case. Despite fulfilling legal protocols, Yadira noted she did everything right, following the rules and attending appointments.
Ebrahimian argues Wilber should remain connected to his mother’s asylum application until he secures his own status. Detainees often experience stress in immigration detention, as highlighted by the lawyer’s efforts to release Wilber, supported by seven letters from educators.
Winston received a brief, static-filled message from Wilber: “They took me.” With his brother detained, Winston communicated with Wilber for several minutes before an agent took him away. Wilber asked him to handle his schooling arrangements.
Wilber resides in Adelanto ICE Processing Center, surrounded by older detainees. His family worries about his well-being, questioning his access to essential items like food and asthma medication.
The legal battle persists as Yadira and her eldest son face removal proceedings and ankle monitoring. Yadira fears job loss due to missed work for ICE appointments. Meanwhile, Wilber’s graduation cap and gown hang in the family living room, decorated in Nicaraguan colors with a message of gratitude.