In a heartwarming moment on Tuesday, a mother and her son were joyously reunited in northwest Indiana after both had been held by immigration authorities.
Ricardo Navarrete, an 18-year-old, was freed from federal detention in Kentucky, marking the end of a challenging ordeal that began in March when both he and his mother, Liliana Navarrete, were taken into custody.
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Now, the two are back together in Chicago, where Ricardo, a senior at Mather High School, can finally resume life with his family.
Their community played a crucial role during their detention, coming together to raise funds and advocate passionately for their release. This collective effort culminated in the touching reunion that unfolded on Tuesday evening.
“I am incredibly grateful and thank God for the miracle bestowed upon us,” Liliana expressed in Spanish to ABC7, overwhelmed with emotion.
The embrace they shared in Crown Point was a poignant moment, coming after weeks of separation due to immigration detention, allowing Liliana to finally hold her son close once again.
“I am very happy because that my brother is back home,” said Ricardo’s brother, Steven Navarrete. “It’s a joy that is unexplainable.”
Ricardo and his mother were taken into custody back in March after they were asked to appear in immigration court in Chicago. The mother and son moved to at least eight detention camps before both ended up in Kentucky.
Liliana was released last week as family friends continued to rally to bring Ricardo home.
“It’s indescribable, honestly. The last 10 weeks have been full of so much stress, so many unknowns, so many ups and downs, hope, and then, days of despair,” said family friend Kristy Morrow.
Morrow led the charge on fundraising efforts to help the family, and, over the past few weeks, she checked in with Ricardo daily. Now, she, too, relishes in the moment.
The Chicago Public Schools student is now back home, just in time for his high school graduation, with plans to play soccer at Truman College in the fall.
“I am so, so happy for him that this was not taken from him,” Morrow said. “We brought Liliana home last Wednesday, and in less than a week later, we brought Ricardo home. And that’s the way it’s supposed to be.”
DHS says the family entered the U.S. illegally from Colombia in 2022. Liliana says they immediately applied for asylum when they arrived. They are due back in immigration court in July.
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