Triumphant Return: CPS Student Ricardo Hernandez Navarrete Earns Diploma Despite ICE Detainment

In a heartwarming turn of events, a Chicago Public Schools student, recently freed from ICE custody, proudly attended his graduation ceremony on Thursday. This moment represented a significant victory for both his family and the broader community that rallied around him.

Ricardo Hernandez Navarette, an 18-year-old student from Mather High School, walked across the stage to receive his high school diploma—a milestone he almost didn’t achieve due to his recent detention. Just two days prior, Hernandez Navarette was released from federal custody in Kentucky, reuniting with his mother. She, too, had been detained by immigration authorities but was released last week.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Their ordeal began in March when both were arrested by ICE during a routine immigration hearing. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the pair had entered the United States from Colombia in 2022 without legal authorization. However, they have since applied for asylum, which legally allows them to remain in the country while their case is processed.

Thursday’s graduation was a poignant moment, underscoring the resilience of a family determined to overcome adversity and highlighting the support of a community committed to justice and education.

The two were arrested by ICE back in March during a routine immigration hearing after DHS says they entered the country illegally.

DHS says they entered the country illegally from Colombia in 2022. The family applied for asylum and are legally allowed to remain in the country while their case moves forward.

Hernandez spoke alongside his mother on Thursday.

“We can do everything with the hand of the God,” Hernandez said. “Each day I think about everything, but I also prayed to Lord that he give us the victory to be here.”

The graduation ceremony began promptly at 6 p.m., with the teenager’s family, including his mother, proudly watching in the audience.

Hernandez 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.