Young Honduran Man Detained After Attending Immigration Court in San Antonio

Honduran man detained by ICE after court appearance

ICE executes immediate arrest

Immigration case remains active

What began as a day of hope turned into an unexpected arrest for Carlos Gómez, an 18-year-old Honduran migrant facing deportation proceedings in the United States.

Gómez appeared Tuesday morning for a hearing at the immigration court in downtown San Antonio, Texas, where he has an open case after his asylum request was previously denied.

Before entering the courtroom, he admitted feeling afraid but said he was determined to comply with the legal process.

Carlos Gómez’s immigration court appearance ends in detention

Honduran man was detained by ICE after attending an immigration court hearing – Photo: ICE

“I’m scared, but I’m willing to go,” he said moments before entering, according to Univision.

The young man stated that despite the uncertainty, attending immigration appointments is essential to avoid more serious consequences.

“What I’d tell people is not to be afraid and to show up,” he said.

“If you don’t come to your court hearing, they’ll find you wherever you are and treat you like a criminal,” he added before stepping inside.

Young Honduran man detained by ICE after hearing

Honduran man detained by ICE in San Antonio – Photo: Shutterstock

“At court, it’s better to have a record showing you appeared,” he explained while sharing his experience.

During the routine hearing, the judge granted him a new court date in August 2026 to continue his legal defense.

That decision appeared to offer Carlos Gómez a brief moment of relief, allowing him to remain legally in the country while his case proceeded.

However, as he exited the federal courthouse, the unexpected happened.

ICE agents were already waiting for him in the hallway, according to witnesses.

Without any public explanation, they handcuffed him in front of other attendees and quickly escorted him to a white ICE transport bus.

So far, authorities have not disclosed which detention center Carlos Gómez was taken to or what his next steps will be under federal custody.

The situation is even more distressing given that his family had recently been separated.

Family separation complicates immigration process

The young man had been living in the U.S. with his father and 10-year-old brother.

Just a week earlier, both were also detained by ICE after attending their own immigration court appointment.

They were later deported to Honduras, leaving Carlos as the only immediate family member still in the United States — now detained as well.

He must now face the legal process alone and in federal custody.

Community alarmed by rise in ICE detentions

His case reflects the uncertainty faced by thousands of young migrants who arrived in the United States fleeing violence, poverty, and threats in Central America.

Although he voluntarily appeared at his court hearing, that did not prevent ICE detention in San Antonio from taking immediate effect as part of ongoing immigration enforcement operations.

It remains unclear whether he will have access to legal representation or community support during his detention, or if he will be eligible for an appeal or immigration bond.

Meanwhile, migrant advocacy organizations have warned that arrests in immigration courts like this one create fear within immigrant communities and discourage voluntary court appearances.

The future of Carlos Gómez now lies in a complex and harsh immigration system — one where, despite his willingness to comply with the law as he encouraged others to do, he ended up under federal custody without knowing when he will regain his freedom.