Teen Missing for Days Found in Federal Custody After Claiming Homelessness

Teen Found After Six Days Missing

• 📌 A teen with autism, Emmanuel Gonzalez Garcia, reported missing by his family, was found after six days.
• 🔍 Houston police found Gonzalez Garcia on Sunday, October 5th, after he claimed to be homeless and from another country.

Placement in Federal Custody

• ⏱️ Officers were with Gonzalez Garcia for approximately 4 hours before he was placed into federal custody.
• 🏥 HPD was advised by CPS to contact the Department of Health and Human Services, leading to his placement with the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).
• ⚠️ An immigration expert believes it may be difficult for Gonzalez Garcia to return home, citing the risk of parents being arrested by ICE when seeking to recover their child.

Family's Efforts and ICE Statement

• 🗣️ Emmanuel's mother, Maria, spoke with her son via FaceTime, confirming he is in good health but scared.
• 🚫 ICE stated that the minor was not in their custody and that they only assisted HPD in placing the minor with ORR when no family could be identified.
• ⚖️ The family is working with an immigrant-led civil rights organization and reviewing their options.

Legal Protections for Migrants

• ❓ It remains unclear when or if the family will be reunited.
• 📜 An immigration attorney noted that juvenile migrants only have certain legal protections if they were abused or neglected.