CHICAGO — In a story that has captured the attention of many, Ricardo Hernandez Navarrete, a Chicago Public Schools student, has finally been reunited with his family after being held in ICE custody. ABC7 had the opportunity to speak with him about his recent release and his aspirations for the future.
Back in March, Ricardo and his mother, Liliana Navarrete, faced a daunting ordeal when they were both detained by ICE during a routine check-in related to their asylum case. On Tuesday, the young student was liberated from federal detention in Kentucky, marking the end of a challenging chapter for the family.
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With his high school graduation just around the corner, Hernandez has eagerly anticipated resuming a beloved pastime—playing soccer. On Wednesday, he finally got the chance to step back onto the field, participating in a spirited five-on-five soccer tournament.
The 18-year-old returned to the Futsal Court at Mather Park, marking his first appearance there in several months. Having been reunited with his family after enduring over two months in detention, Hernandez expressed his enthusiasm for reconnecting with his passion for soccer.
“I am so happy to be free and to be with my family, and now I get to play, which is what I’m most excited about,” he stated in Spanish, his smile evident as he spoke.
During an interview with ABC7, conducted in Spanish after a lengthy day of ICE-related appointments, Hernandez revealed the wrist monitor he must wear as his asylum proceedings continue. Despite the ongoing challenges, his spirits remain high as he looks forward to the next chapter of his life.
“We had a standard check-in with ICE which is common when people are released from detention on their own recognizance,” immigration attorney Kelli Fennell said. “So we are just following steps and continuing to do everything the right way.”
Hernandez was detained, along with his mother Liliana Navarrete, during a routine immigration hearing back in March. The family applied for asylum upon their arrival from Colombia in 2022. They are legally allowed to remain in the country while their case moves forward. Liliana Navarrete was released from ICE custody last week. But Hernandez, who was assigned to a different judge, only got his day in court Tuesday, just two days shy of his high school graduation.
“I am going to invite some friends over to celebrate. And spend time with those who stuck by my during this whole ordeal,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez will graduate from Mather High School on Thursday. He is already committed to play soccer at Truman College next year, but that is all dependent on his asylum petition being approved. That hearing was originally scheduled for July 14. However, his attorney expects that date to be moved.
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