FIEL Accuses Houston Police Chief of Misinformation Regarding Autistic Teen

Dispute Over Autistic Teen's Custody

• 📌 FIEL, Houston's largest immigration rights group, is publicly challenging Houston Police Chief Noey Diaz.
• 🎯 The core of the dispute centers on the case of a 15-year-old teen with autism, Emanuel Gonzalez Garcia, who is currently in federal custody.
• ⚠️ The teen's mother confirms he has autism and functions at a level similar to a four-year-old, yet he was placed in a federal facility for unaccompanied minors.

Chief Diaz's Claims and FIEL's Rebuttal

• 🗣️ Chief Diaz stated at a city council meeting that the teen has a history of running away and, when found, communicated clearly, showing no signs of cognitive disabilities.
• 💡 FIEL Executive Director Cesar Espinosa vehemently denies these claims, calling them "misinformation" and demanding accountability from the Chief.
• 🏥 The situation is further complicated by the teen reportedly undergoing emergency surgery while in custody, with his mother by his side, only to be transferred back to federal custody hours later.

Calls for Accountability and Transparency

• 🤝 FIEL alleges that city leaders and HPD are attempting to discredit the family rather than assist them in reuniting.
• 🔍 The organization has reportedly attempted to meet with Chief Diaz multiple times over the past year without success.
• ❓ Questions remain about how the situation was handled and whether the family was properly informed throughout the process.
• 📰 KOU 11 News has reached out to HPD for an update and clarification on the Chief's statements but has not yet received a response.