The mother of an 18-year-old Mather High School student was ordered released from immigration custody by a federal judge on Tuesday, though the teen remains detained, according to the family’s lawyers.
Ricardo Navarrete and his mother, Liliana Navarrete, were detained by federal agents in March. The pair arrived in Chicago in 2022 as asylum seekers from Colombia.
Liliana Navarette was one of 18 people released on a writ of habeas corpus by a U.S. District judge in Kentucky after being held for too long of a period without a bond hearing, according to a statement from her lawyers. The fight for her immigration case will continue in the courts as she returns to Chicago.
“Liliana can return to her home in Chicago, Illinois and continue to pursue her case before the Chicago immigration court,” Kelli Fennell, an attorney representing the family, said in a statement.
The teen, who has previously described being held in cramped rooms with dozens of men, remains in custody.
“His family and community are hopeful they will soon receive a positive decision in his pending habeas,” Fennell said.
A standout soccer player, Ricardo signed to play for community-college soccer powerhouse Truman College after graduating. Those plans are uncertain given his ongoing detention.
Friends, family, teammates and community members held a rally for Ricardo and his mother last month in West Ridge, calling for their release and an end to the Trump administration’s deportation campaign since the end of Operation Midway Blitz in the Chicago area.