A 15-year-old boy with autism who went missing for six days in Houston has been located safe, prompting discussions regarding his custody status.
Reports initially indicated that Emmanuel Gonzalez was held in an immigration facility, but Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) clarified that he was never in their custody.
On Friday, October 11, FIEL Houston announced that Emmanuel had been detained by ICE; however, ICE later confirmed that they were contacted by the Houston Police Department (HPD) regarding Emmanuel only after he was found.
According to ICE, the police approached them last Sunday after Emmanuel informed them that he was homeless and from another country.
ICE stated that they collaborated with the HPD to identify the minor, and when no family members in the U.S. could be located, they assisted in placing Emmanuel with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement.
ICE reiterated in a released statement that at no point was Emmanuel in their custody.
The teenager, who originally vanished on Saturday, October 4, was located the following day during a welfare check conducted by Houston Fire Department officials.
Once discovered, the Fire Department contacted the police, who recorded Emmanuel’s statements regarding his homelessness and lack of family connections.
Despite their efforts, Child Protective Services informed the police that they could not take custody of Emmanuel, leading to his referral to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Following this incident, he was placed with the Office of Refugee Resettlement.
As soon as Emmanuel’s family was informed of his safety, they managed to reach him via a 30-minute FaceTime call.
Cesar Espinosa from FIEL shared that Emmanuel appears to be in good health, although he is understandably a bit scared.
Emmanuel’s mother, Maria Garcia, shared that her son indicated he was picked up by law enforcement the day after he went missing and was initially taken to a hotel before being moved to a facility on Monday.
According to Garcia, a detective informed her that the facility where her son is currently held is managed by the Office of Refugee Resettlement.
Emmanuel, who is originally from Nicaragua, faces a language barrier, as he does not speak English.
Despite her relief at knowing her son is safe, Garcia described her feelings as bittersweet, stating, “Un sabor agridulce, en verdad, porque no esperaba eso. Esperaba que mi hijo regresara conmigo.”
This translates to a bittersweet feeling because she did not anticipate the circumstances, as she had hoped for her son to return home with her.
Garcia’s emotions have ranged from gratitude for his safety to anguish about the separation.
She expressed a strong desire for her son to be returned to her as soon as possible.
Advocacy groups are currently working to secure legal representation for Garcia and her family while they await news on when Emmanuel will be permitted to return home.
image source from：khou
