AUSTIN, Texas — Family members, school officials and immigration authorities agreed to allow Austin Northeast Early College High School senior Luis Fernando Cabrera Chavarria to complete his coursework from an immigration detention center, as the 18-year-old remains in custody following his detention after a traffic stop on May 1, 2026.
Chavarria’s family and supporters said the agreement with Austin Independent School District and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will allow him to receive assignments while held at the Karnes County Immigration Processing Center and remain eligible to graduate with his class on June 2 if he meets district requirements.
According to his family and attorney Jim Harrington, law enforcement detained Chavarria after a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper stopped him for an expired registration sticker as he left a late-night shift at a Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. ICE then transferred him to federal custody.
Harrington said he helped coordinate the arrangement between AISD and ICE to ensure Chavarria can continue his schoolwork while detained. AISD said it will provide coursework to allow him to complete his graduation requirements.
Chavarria’s family said he moved to the United States in 2019 and applied for asylum. Harrington said legal representatives refiled asylum paperwork after they determined the original application had not been filed correctly, and they submitted a petition seeking his release while his immigration case proceeds.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed Chavarria’s detention and said he will remain in custody pending immigration proceedings. The agency also said he will receive due process and stated that individuals without legal documentation can use federal programs to manage their cases.
Chavarria’s family, classmates and community members have advocated for his release. U.S. Rep. Greg Casar and local activists have also expressed support.
Harrington said Chavarria continues his studies from detention while awaiting a judge’s decision on his immigration case. Family members said he has missed end-of-year school events, including prom, as the graduation date approaches.
