Cincinnati High School Graduate Detained After Routine ICE Check

Emerson Colindres, detained by ICE under a final deportation order, has sparked community protests and calls for immigration reform. Living in Cincinnati since childhood, his case highlights tensions between enforcement and protecting young immigrants with deep U.S. ties amid strict immigration policies.

Key Takeaways

• Emerson Colindres, 19, detained by ICE June 4, 2025, pending deportation to Honduras after years in Cincinnati.
• Community protests include 200+ supporters, fundraising, and calls for humane immigration reform.
• DHS cites final immigration removal order; Emerson participated in ISAP program with ankle monitor.

Emerson Colindres, a 19-year-old recent graduate of Western Hills High School in Cincinnati, is at the center of a growing immigration debate after being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during what was supposed to be a routine check-in. On June 4, 2025, Emerson and his mother, Ada Bell Baquedano-Amador, arrived at an ICE facility in Blue Ash, a suburb of Cincinnati, expecting a standard appointment as part of their ongoing supervision. Instead, ICE agents detained Emerson, informing him and his family that he would be deported to Honduras. This sudden action has shocked his family, friends, and the wider Cincinnati community, sparking protests and raising questions about the treatment of young immigrants who have spent most of their lives in the United States 🇺🇸.

The Detention: What Happened and Why

Cincinnati High School Graduate Detained After Routine ICE Check
Cincinnati High School Graduate Detained After Routine ICE Check

On the morning of June 4, 2025, Emerson Colindres and his mother followed the instructions given by ICE, attending a scheduled check-in as part of the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP). This program is designed to monitor immigrants who have pending cases or removal orders, requiring them to report regularly to ICE officials. Emerson, who had been living under supervised release, was in the process of receiving an ankle monitor—a device used to track his movements as a condition of his release.

However, when Emerson and his mother arrived at the Blue Ash ICE office, they were met by agents who immediately detained him. According to his soccer coach, Brian Williams, ICE did not provide a clear explanation for the arrest at the time. Emerson was taken to Butler County Jail in Hamilton, Ohio, a facility that contracts with the federal government to house immigrants awaiting deportation.

As of June 9, 2025, Emerson remains in detention, communicating with friends and supporters by phone. The suddenness of his detention, especially after years of compliance with ICE requirements, has left his family and community searching for answers.

Emerson’s Journey: From Honduras to Cincinnati

Emerson Colindres’ story began in Honduras, where he was born in 2006. In 2014, at just 8 years old, he and his family fled their home country due to threats and extortion from local gangs. Like many families escaping violence in Central America, they sought asylum in the United States 🇺🇸, hoping for safety and a new start.

The family’s asylum application was ultimately denied. In 2023, an immigration judge issued a final removal order after determining that Honduras could do more to protect them. The family continued to comply with all ICE requirements, including regular check-ins and participation in the ISAP program. Despite the removal order, they were never explicitly told to leave the country, and Emerson continued to attend school, play soccer, and build a life in Cincinnati.

Community Response: Protests and Support

The news of Emerson’s detention spread quickly through the Cincinnati community. On Sunday, June 8, 2025, about 200 people gathered outside Butler County Jail to demand his release. The crowd included teammates from his soccer team, Cincinnati Galaxy, his coach, former classmates, teachers, and members of local organizations such as Cincinnati Socialists and immigrant rights groups.

Supporters have taken several actions to show solidarity with Emerson and his family:

  • Organizing protests outside the jail and in the community
  • Creating “Free Emerson” t-shirts to raise awareness
  • Launching a GoFundMe campaign to help cover legal fees and possible travel costs if Emerson is deported
  • Coordinating support through his soccer team, led by Coach Bryan Williams

During the protest, Emerson’s mother made a heartfelt plea: “Please, Mr. Trump — because I’m talking directly to you — have pity on us. Have compassion.” She also expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support, saying, “Not everybody feels safe doing that, so for so many to come out and take some of their time is excellent.”

The Human Impact: Emerson’s Life in the United States 🇺🇸

For Emerson Colindres, the United States 🇺🇸 is home. He has lived in Cincinnati for over a decade, attending local schools and becoming an important part of his community. His soccer coach describes him as “one of the best kids” and an outstanding player. Friends and teammates have shared their heartbreak over his detention.

In a phone call from jail, Emerson described his distress: “It’s just awful. We only go out once a day — sometimes twice. (It’s) not a life someone who didn’t do anything should be living.” His teammate, Josh Williams, reflected on the last time he saw Emerson: “I wish I hugged him longer. Because I didn’t know that would be the last time I was going to see him.” Another teammate, Preston Robinson, pointed out that Emerson had no control over his immigration status as a child: “It’s not like he had a say in whether he could or couldn’t come.”

These personal stories highlight the emotional toll that immigration enforcement can have on young people who have grown up in the United States 🇺🇸 and consider it their only home.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stated that Emerson Colindres was detained because he had a final removal order issued by an immigration judge and had not left the country as required. In a statement, DHS said: “Those arrested had executable final orders of removal by an immigration judge and had not complied with that order. If you are in the country illegally and a judge has ordered you to be removed, that is precisely what will happen.”

The ISAP program, which Emerson was part of, is meant to ensure that immigrants comply with the conditions of their release while their cases are pending or after a removal order has been issued. This program often includes regular check-ins, electronic monitoring, and other forms of supervision. More information about the ISAP program and ICE’s responsibilities can be found on the official ICE website.

Emerson’s case is not unique. Across the United States 🇺🇸, many immigrants with final removal orders are being detained and deported, even if they have lived in the country for many years and have deep ties to their communities.

National Context: Increased Enforcement Under President Trump

Emerson’s detention comes at a time of heightened immigration enforcement under President Trump. The administration has made it clear that it will prioritize the removal of undocumented immigrants, especially those with final removal orders. Over the weekend of June 7-8, 2025, President Trump announced plans to send the National Guard to Los Angeles to respond to large-scale protests against ICE, signaling a tough stance on immigration enforcement.

In Cincinnati, Emerson’s case is part of a broader pattern. Earlier in June 2025, ICE conducted operations in other parts of the city, including arrests outside the Price Hill Kroger. These actions have led to increased fear and anxiety among immigrant communities, as well as more public protests and calls for policy change.

Tensions at Protests: Law Enforcement and Community

The protest outside Butler County Jail was mostly peaceful, but there were moments of tension. Hamilton Police asked protesters to stay on the sidewalks instead of marching in the street, leading to at least one arrest after a confrontation between an officer and marchers. Despite these challenges, the protest remained focused on demanding Emerson’s release and drawing attention to the broader issue of deportation.

Community leaders and activists have emphasized the importance of peaceful protest and continued advocacy. They argue that cases like Emerson’s show the need for immigration reform and more humane policies, especially for young people who have grown up in the United States 🇺🇸.

Emerson Colindres is currently detained at Butler County Jail, awaiting deportation to Honduras. His legal options are limited, given the final removal order issued by the immigration court. However, his supporters are working with lawyers to explore any possible avenues for relief, such as reopening his case or seeking a stay of removal.

The process for deportation typically involves several steps:

  1. Detention: ICE detains the individual with a final removal order.
  2. Notification: The person is notified of their pending deportation and given a chance to contact legal counsel.
  3. Removal Arrangements: ICE arranges for travel documents and transportation to the person’s home country.
  4. Deportation: The individual is removed from the United States 🇺🇸 and returned to their country of origin.

In some cases, individuals can file motions to reopen their cases or request stays of removal if new evidence or humanitarian concerns arise. However, these options are often difficult to pursue and require strong legal support.

For those seeking more information about the deportation process and their rights, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website provides official resources and guidance.

Implications for Stakeholders

For Emerson and His Family

  • Emotional distress: Emerson and his family face the trauma of possible separation and the fear of returning to a country they fled due to violence.
  • Uncertainty: The lack of clear communication from ICE and the suddenness of the detention have left the family in a state of shock and confusion.
  • Community support: The strong response from friends, teammates, and local organizations has provided some comfort and hope.

For the Cincinnati Community

  • Mobilization: The case has galvanized local residents, leading to protests, fundraising, and advocacy efforts.
  • Awareness: Emerson’s story has brought attention to the realities faced by many young immigrants in the United States 🇺🇸.
  • Division: While many support Emerson, others argue that immigration laws must be enforced as written.

For Immigrant Communities Nationwide

  • Fear of detention: Cases like Emerson’s increase anxiety among undocumented immigrants, even those who have complied with ICE requirements.
  • Calls for reform: Advocacy groups are using these cases to push for changes in immigration law, especially for those who arrived as children.
  • Legal challenges: The complexity of immigration law makes it difficult for many families to navigate the system and avoid deportation.

The Bigger Picture: Policy and Reform

Emerson Colindres’ case highlights the challenges faced by young immigrants who have grown up in the United States 🇺🇸 but lack legal status. Many advocates argue that current laws do not adequately protect people who arrived as children and have built their lives in American communities.

Programs like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) have provided some relief for certain groups, but not all young immigrants qualify. Emerson’s case falls outside DACA protections, leaving him vulnerable to deportation despite his long-term residence and community ties.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, cases like Emerson’s are becoming more common as ICE increases enforcement against individuals with final removal orders, regardless of their personal circumstances or community contributions.

What Can Supporters Do?

For those who want to help Emerson Colindres and others in similar situations, there are several practical steps:

  • Contact elected officials: Urge them to support immigration reform and advocate for humane policies.
  • Donate to legal defense funds: Contributions can help cover legal fees and other expenses for families facing deportation.
  • Attend protests and community events: Showing up in person demonstrates solidarity and raises public awareness.
  • Educate others: Sharing accurate information about immigration law and the realities faced by undocumented immigrants can help build understanding and support.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

As of June 9, 2025, Emerson Colindres remains detained at Butler County Jail, facing imminent deportation to Honduras. His case has become a rallying point for the Cincinnati community and a symbol of the broader challenges facing young immigrants in the United States 🇺🇸. While his supporters continue to fight for his release, the outcome remains uncertain.

For families like Emerson’s, the stakes are high. The decisions made by ICE and immigration courts can mean the difference between safety and danger, family unity and separation, hope and despair. As the debate over immigration policy continues, cases like Emerson’s remind us of the real people behind the headlines—and the urgent need for solutions that balance the law with compassion.

For more information about ICE procedures and immigrant rights, visit the official ICE website.

Learn Today

ICEU.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency enforcing immigration laws and detaining unauthorized immigrants.
ISAP → Intensive Supervision Appearance Program requiring immigrants with pending cases to report regularly to ICE.
Removal Order → A legal order requiring an immigrant to leave the United States as determined by an immigration judge.
Ankle Monitor → Electronic device used to track a person’s location during supervised release from detention.
Deportation → The official removal of a foreign national from the United States by government authorities.

This Article in a Nutshell

Emerson Colindres, detained by ICE during a routine check-in, faces imminent deportation despite years in Cincinnati. His arrest sparked protests and legal fights, highlighting challenges young immigrants face under strict immigration enforcement policies. Community outcry urges reform and support for families caught in complex immigration systems.
— By VisaVerge.com

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Jim Grey
Senior Editor
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Jim Grey serves as the Senior Editor at VisaVerge.com, where his expertise in editorial strategy and content management shines. With a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of the immigration and travel sectors, Jim plays a pivotal role in refining and enhancing the website's content. His guidance ensures that each piece is informative, engaging, and aligns with the highest journalistic standards.
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