Hispanic Teen Detained After Traffic Stop Ends Up in ICE Custody and Faces Deportation

A 17-year-old teenager was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after being stopped during a traffic checkpoint in Dunwoody, part of the Atlanta metropolitan area, raising concern within his community.

Detention After Traffic Violation

Authorities reported that Axel Gerardo Archaga Rios was arrested on March 27 for failing to obey a stop sign and driving without a license.

He was then taken to the DeKalb County Jail, where an immigration detainer was issued.

Axel Gerardo Archaga Rios Remains in ICE Custody

ICE detention of teen in Georgia with risk of deportation

After being released on bond on March 29, the teenager was transferred to ICE custody and is currently being held at a processing center in Georgia.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Archaga Rios entered the country in 2014 and has a final deportation order issued in 2015.

Defense Seeks to Stop Deportation

Axel Archaga Rios’ attorney, Alexandros Cornejo, told CBS that a request has already been filed to halt the deportation.

He is also working to reopen the immigration case so the teen can apply for asylum.

A Story Marked by Migration

ICE detention of teen in Georgia with risk of deportation

Cornejo explained that Rios arrived in the United States with his mother as a child after leaving Honduras.

According to the attorney, his mother was seeking asylum and later moved from Florida to Georgia to escape a situation of domestic violence.

He added that the relocation caused them to miss important immigration hearings.

“The problem is she believed a lawyer was handling her case,” Cornejo said. “But that person was not licensed. Because of that, she never received official notices. She only found out a few months ago what was happening and had no idea this could occur.”

For its part, the Dunwoody Police Department confirmed that Rios was stopped on March 27 for a traffic violation, and at that time the officer was unaware of any immigration order against him.

Later, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office stated that after posting bond on March 29, the teen was handed over to immigration authorities.

Axel Archaga Rios is currently being held at the Folkston ICE Processing Center, near Brunswick.

Regarding his attitude, Cornejo highlighted the teen’s emotional strength.

“He is a very strong young man,” he said. “Despite the situation, he remains positive. Every time he speaks with me, he is calm and confident. He feels he belongs in this country and believes everything will turn out well. He wants to return to his life, play soccer, be with his friends, and finish school.”

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Community Support for Axel Archaga Rios

ICE detention of teen in Georgia with risk of deportation

Family members and supporters have launched a GoFoundMe campaign to assist the family during the process.

The teen, a high school student, is described as committed to his studies and his family.