Teen with Autism Confronts Houston City Council Over Immigration Detention

HOUSTON – A 15-year-old Houston boy with autism appeared before City Council on Tuesday with his mother and an immigration activist to address officials regarding his 50-day detention in federal immigration custody following an encounter with Houston police.

Emmanuel Gonzalez Garcia stood alongside immigrant rights advocate Cesar Espinoza of FIEL, who presented city officials with certificates reading “thank you for nothing.” Espinoza accused Mayor John Whitmire and city leaders of failing to assist the family after Houston police referred the teen to federal authorities.

The boy went missing on October 4 while his mother was at work.He was subsequently taken into police custody and turned over to the Office of Refugee Resettlement for unaccompanied minors.

“We’re here today as I want them to see Emmanuel face to face, a 15-year-old boy who they said was 10,” Espinoza told the council. “A 15-year-old boy who they said there was absolutely nothing wrong with him.”

The situation escalated when Mayor whitmire accused Espinoza of exploiting the family for political purposes and unnecessarily exposing them by bringing them to City Hall.

“What concerns me most is what’s in the mother and child’s best interest,” Whitmire stated. “I think Cesar is using them and giving them huge exposure right now to their status in our community. I think it’s an injustice.”

The family is undocumented and faces potential deportation.