Federal judge orders release of Bronx teen detained by ICE during check-in
Nov 17, 2025·Location: Bronx, NY
Country of origin: Ecuador

Joel Camas, a 16-year-old with approved Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, was detained by ICE on October 23 during a routine immigration check-in at 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan, despite having legal protections and a pending pathway to permanent residency. After nearly a month in federal custody, U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel ordered his immediate release on November 17. His attorneys argue ICE violated federal law and the Constitution by arresting a child with legal status at a routine appointment.
Sources
- 16-year-old boy detained by ICE in NYC after scheduled immigration appointment
- Federal judge orders release of Bronx teen detained by ICE | amNewYork
amny.com·Nov 17, 2025·archived copy
- Bronx teen freed after ICE detention
- Court Orders 16-Year-Old with Status Released After ICE Unlawfully Arrested Him at Immigration Check-in
- Who is Joel Camas? Bronx teen's detention by ICE triggers outrage, DHS shares ‘real story’
hindustantimes.com·Oct 27, 2025·archived copy
- 16-Year-Old Bronx High Schooler Arrested by ICE at Check-In
The City·Oct 24, 2025·archived copy
- ICE Detains 16-Year-Old with Special Juvenile Status - DHS Blames Biden Administration
inquisitr.com·Oct 27, 2025·archived copy
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