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Chicago school custodian detained by ICE, released after 42 days, reunites with family

Aug 28, 2026·Location: Chicago, IL

Country of origin: Venezuela

Chicago school custodian detained by ICE, released after 42 days, reunites with family
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Josue Isai Pire-Hidalgo, a 31-year-old custodian at Farnsworth Elementary School in Chicago Public Schools, was detained by ICE on July 17 during what he believed was a routine immigration appointment tied to his family's asylum case. Pire-Hidalgo, a Venezuelan national with Temporary Protected Status and a pending asylum application, has no criminal record. His wife, Yulexis Padilla Julio, and their two children, ages 13 and 6, were detained alongside him but released; his wife was fitted with an ankle monitor and continued advocating for his release. Their 6-year-old daughter has asthma requiring daily medication, and Pire-Hidalgo has hearing loss in both ears and relies on hearing aids. He was held at a jail in Clay County, Indiana, describing the conditions as difficult, while the school community and SEIU Local 73 organized support including a GoFundMe that raised nearly $15,000 and meal trains for the family. After 42 days in ICE custody, he was released and reunited with his family.

Timeline

Aug 28, 2026—Released after 42 days in ICE custody and reunited with family
Jul 21, 2026—Held at Clay County, Indiana jail awaiting July 28 hearing; community support efforts underway
Jul 17, 2026—Detained by ICE during a routine immigration appointment; wife and children detained but released, wife fitted with ankle monitor
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