DACA recipient with autism released from ICE custody after being arrested in Hendry County

HENDRY COUNTY, Fla. —

Gilberto Garcia Cruz, a 26-year-old Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipient with autism, was released from custody Friday after being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

Crusz was taken into custody in front of his Hendry County home on Wednesday, leaving his family scared and confused.

Garcia Cruz’s mother and sister said they were threatened with Tasers when they tried to ask why he was being taken away. His sister expressed fear for her mother’s safety during the incident.

“He was in handcuffs, and my mom and I were asking questions because we wanted to know what was the reason for his arrest, but they never gave us any answers. They didn't. They didn't even want to talk to us,” Garcia Cruz’s sister said. “I was threatened with a Taser gun for trying to ask what was going on or, you know, what was the reason for my brother being detained.”

Garcia Cruz is part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which protects undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. His family said he is currently in the renewal process, which began on April 2.

Maria, a social worker who works with Garcia Cruz’s family, said, “I am also a parent of two children with special needs. So I understand some of the hardships that obviously the family is dealing with. And just navigating a system that is often not too friendly for individuals of color at that.”

New video from the arrest shows ICE agents and Hendry County sheriff’s deputies pinning Garcia Cruz against a car while his mother pleaded with them, explaining that her son is autistic and did not understand what was happening.

“They never gave us any reason. They didn't tell us why. Nothing. Nothing,” Garcia Cruz’s sister said.

Community allies are calling for better training for law enforcement and ICE agents when interacting with children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Despite Garcia Cruz’s release and the lifting of his ICE hold, his family is still searching for answers about why he was arrested in the first place.

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