Summary
An 18-year-old from Guatemala named Alvaro Velasquez has chosen to leave the United States after being detained by immigration agents shortly before graduating high school. Velasquez, who doesn't have a criminal record, was in the country illegally but had been granted deferred action. He decided to self-deport back to Guatemala, where he has no family.
Key Facts
- Alvaro Velasquez, 18, traveled to the U.S. from Guatemala at age 16.
- His mother passed away before he moved, and he has no contact with his father.
- He was detained by ICE weeks before his high school graduation.
- Velasquez agreed to self-deport during a virtual court hearing.
- He had been granted deferred action, meaning legal proceedings were delayed.
- His attorney said he was frustrated with being held in detention.
- The Department of Homeland Security confirmed his arrest and detention.
- He plans to return to Guatemala, where he has no relatives.
