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Javier G.R.: Venezuelan high school student held 18 days without charges, asylum pending

Javier Gimenez Rivero, a Venezuelan high school student with a pending asylum claim, was held 18 days without charges or a hearing before a federal judge ordered his release.

Jan 28, 2026Orange County, FLCountry of origin: Venezuela

Javier G.R.: Venezuelan high school student held 18 days without charges, asylum pending
Photo via FOX 35 Orlando

Javier Gimenez Rivero is a high school student from Venezuela living in Orange County with a pending asylum claim and valid U.S. Employment Authorization. He was arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol and held in Orange County Jail for 18 days without criminal charges, a notice to appear, a warrant, a hearing, or written notice of the basis for his detention, according to a federal judge's order. His attorneys, Phillip and Josephine Arroyo, say Rivero is devastated and traumatized. A federal judge ordered his release, stating "In this country, we don't enforce the law by breaking the law," and found numerous constitutional violations in his detention. Rivero now has a hearing scheduled for 2028 to review his asylum claim.

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