Ricardo Navarrete, a Chicago high school senior, and his mom Liliana were detained outside the Chicago Immigration Court on March 16. They came to the U.S. from Colombia in 2022 in search of a safer, better life. They had an active asylum case. They had no criminal records. They were doing everything by the book. They were told to come to the courthouse to “sign papers,” and were immediately detained.

Ricardo is 18. He should be getting ready for prom. He’s planning to play college soccer next year. Instead, he’s been sleeping on concrete floors, in and out of solitary confinement, and has been transported EIGHT TIMES to different facilities. He’s been separated from his mom most of the time. Ricardo, his mom, and his brother should be home together.

They are currently in separate facilities in Kentucky. Lawyers submitted habeas corpus petitions this week challenging Ricardo and his mom’s imprisonment. Court hearings with a judge could happen as soon as next week.

My friend @buildtomorrow.chi, who I am infinitely proud to know, has been fighting every moment of every day for Ricardo and Liliana since March 16. She and other activists have had to find attorneys in multiple states and navigate a complex and broken system. They have not stopped fighting and they need our support.

Please share this post to raise awareness about Ricardo and Liliana. If you’re able, donate to their GoFundMe to help with legal fees. Stand in solidarity with Ricardo, Liliana, and all those wrongfully detained by ICE. We will not stop fighting until they are released!

🗞️ wbez.org/education/2026/04/17/after-mather-student-and-mom-detained-by-ice-a-school-and-soccer-community-are-left-reeling

💞 gofund.me/df75631df