Carlos Guerra Leon, an 18-year-old resident of New York, was released after spending almost three months detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), despite having legal status that protected him from deportation.

The case of the student, a beneficiary of the Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJS) program, has generated criticism of the agency immigration authorities ignored the protections that prevent the detention of young people under this protection.

The Detention and the Process Until Release

According to New York Focus, Guerra Leon was arrested in August while on his way to work, despite having a deferred action order in effect due to his SIJS status. According to the same source, the young man was taken to a detention center in Louisiana, where he remained until his defense filed a writ of habeas corpus.

The judge in charge of the case determined that the detention order, issued years earlier when Carlos was only 12 years old, was not valid under current protections. Finally, his immediate release was ordered, allowing him to return to New York to reunite with his family.

Official and Defense Voices

The writ was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana, the National Immigration Project, and the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization. All of them denounced that ICE is “blatantly ignoring” the safeguards of the SIJS program, which prevents the deportation of minors and young people already under protection. The court order established that, while Guerra Leon's deferred action remains active, ICE “cannot execute any deportation measures.” The organizations involved called the release “a significant victory” and warned of the need to review the immigration agency's internal protocols. Life and profile of the protected young man: Carlos Guerra Leon lives in Spring Valley, New York, and was described by his community as a hardworking and committed young man. Before his detention, he worked at a car wash and had recently graduated from high school.

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status was granted to him after it was verified that he had suffered neglect and abandonment in his childhood, which paved the way for him to obtain permanent legal residency. His deferred action is valid, at least, until 2026.

During his time in detention, his family and advocates highlighted his vulnerability and the emotional impact he suffered, emphasizing his desire to continue his studies and contribute positively to the community that welcomed him as a child.

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