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Iván G.: Shoreline cook deported after ICE arrest left toddler alone in car

Iván Guzmán, head cook at a Shoreline restaurant, was detained by ICE while driving his 2-year-old to daycare, leaving the toddler alone in the car for 30-40 minutes before he was deported to Mexico.

Jan 25, 2026Shoreline, WACountry of origin: Mexico

Iván G.: Shoreline cook deported after ICE arrest left toddler alone in car
Photo via The Burner Seattle

Iván Guzmán, head cook at El Cubano To Go restaurant in Shoreline, Washington, was detained by ICE agents on Aurora Avenue North on January 25 while driving his 2-year-old son to daycare. The toddler was left alone in the vehicle, surrounded by armed agents, for roughly 30 to 40 minutes. Community volunteers arrived at the scene to document the incident and support the child until a family friend picked him up and took him to Guzmán's workplace; the child is now with his mother. Guzmán was subsequently deported to Mexico, his country of birth. Restaurant owner Verónica Castañeda described him as 'my right hand, a hardworking man, dedicated to his family.' A GoFundMe campaign was launched to raise funds for legal assistance, childcare, and food.

“When people say ‘criminals, criminals’ — if you’re here to support your family, work to support your family, I don’t think that’s a crime.”
— Veronica Castañeda
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