DACA recipient with autism detained by ICE at home without warrant, later released
Apr 19, 2026·Location: Los Angeles, CA

Gilberto García (also referred to as Gilberto Garcia Cruz), a 26-year-old DACA recipient with autism, was detained by ICE agents at his home in LaBelle, Florida without an arrest warrant. According to his account, agents entered his property and the detention involved physical force that left marks on his arms. He was detained in front of his mother without explanation. He was subsequently released on April 10, 2026, following family intervention. After his release, García expressed fear about the possibility of deportation and separation from his mother. His family is now facing housing instability in the aftermath of the incident.
Sources
- “Me dio miedo que ya no iba a ver a mi madre”: Gilberto García, joven con autismo y beneficiario de DACA detenido por ICE
- Autistic DACA recipient detained by ICE at his Florida home, family fears for his safety
cbs12.com·Apr 11, 2026·archived copy
cw34.com·Apr 11, 2026·archived copy
m.cw34.com·Apr 11, 2026·archived copy
- DACA recipient with autism released from ICE custody after being arrested in Hendry County
gulfcoastnewsnow.com·Apr 10, 2026·archived copy
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- Family fights to free man with autism after ICE agents detained him in Hendry County
gulfcoastnewsnow.com·Apr 9, 2026·archived copy
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