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Luis Fernando C.C.: Austin teen soccer goalie detained by ICE over expired registration sticker

Luis Fernando Cabrera Chavarria, 18, a varsity soccer goalie, was detained after a traffic stop for an expired registration sticker and sent to Karnes County. A judge ordered his release so he could take finals and attend graduation.

May 27, 2026Austin, TXCountry of origin: Mexico

Luis Fernando C.C.: Austin teen soccer goalie detained by ICE over expired registration sticker
Photo via Sahan Journal

Luis Fernando Cabrera Chavarria, an 18-year-old senior and varsity soccer goalie at Northeast Early College High School in Austin, was detained by ICE after a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper stopped him for an expired registration sticker while he was driving home from an overnight shift at Popeyes. Body camera footage showed the trooper photographing his school ID and using the encrypted app Signal to contact federal agents, who instructed him to detain Cabrera under a 287(g) agreement. He was transferred to the Karnes County Immigration Processing Center, more than 100 miles from Austin. Cabrera's family came to the U.S. from Honduras and applied for asylum in 2019, though the application was not filed correctly; he had no deportation order or criminal history. His detention prompted protests from classmates and support from his school and St. James Episcopal Church. U.S. District Judge Jason Pulliam ordered his release, barred DHS from deporting him while his asylum case proceeds, and allowed him to take final exams and attend his graduation on June 2.

Timeline

May 27, 2026—Released from custody, barred from deportation while asylum case proceeds, permitted to take final exams and attend graduation
May 20, 2026—Federal judge ordered his release, allowing him to attend graduation
May 1, 2026—Detained by ICE after a trooper stopped him for an expired registration sticker while driving home from work
May 1, 2026—Transferred to the Karnes County Immigration Processing Center
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