DACA recipient detained by ICE while delivering milk to daughter

Juan Chavez Velasco, a 35-year-old DACA recipient from Colombia, was detained by ICE on his way to the NICU to deliver breast milk to his infant daughter. His wife, Stephanie Villarreal, recounted that he was stopped by ICE agents on February 18 while driving in their neighborhood. Despite having DACA status, which he had renewed every two years, he was taken into custody and has been held at a Texas detention center for the past seven weeks.

The Trump administration has detained over 260 DACA recipients since January 2025, with more than 80 deported. Advocates argue that many individuals without criminal records are being swept up in a broader enforcement crackdown. Villarreal expressed disbelief that her husband, who has no criminal history and is a college graduate, could be detained, stating, "We were just more under the impression that the administration had mentioned nothing would happen to DACA recipients."

The Department of Homeland Security stated that Chavez Velasco is an "illegal alien" and that DACA does not confer legal status. Villarreal contested this characterization, emphasizing her husband's contributions and commitment to their family. She noted that the delays in renewing his DACA status while in detention are affecting their livelihood.

The couple's situation highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policy and the treatment of DACA recipients. Villarreal expressed concern about the potential impact on their family, stating, "Unfortunately, it would require us to possibly move to a different country just to be together as a family."

Power Read: The detention of Juan Chavez Velasco exemplifies the precarious position of DACA recipients under the current administration. While the Trump administration maintains a hardline stance on immigration, the emotional and logistical challenges faced by families like the Velascos expose the human cost of these policies. As more DACA recipients are detained, the administration risks alienating a segment of the population that has contributed positively to society. This situation may galvanize advocacy efforts for immigration reform, potentially shifting public opinion.

What to watch: The upcoming court rulings on DACA renewals and their implications for current recipients.