ICE Detains Hispanic Father on His Daughter’s Birthday in Georgia

ICE arrest in Georgia leaves family unexpectedly separated

Father arrested on daughter’s birthday

Child with autism affected

A Hispanic family in Norcross experienced an unexpected turn on what was supposed to be a day of celebration, according to Univision.

The father had planned to hug his daughter for her birthday after returning from work. He never got the chance.

The father was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) before making it back home.

ICE arrest in Georgia impacts Hispanic family

“Baudilio Arriaga, 48, was detained by ICE in Norcross on the same day as his daughter’s birthday. He had lived in the U.S. for 13 years, had no legal status, and had a clean record. He was transferred to the Stewart detention center.”
https://t.co/xQW5o77l0Q

— N+ UNIVISION ATLANTA (@nmasunivATL) April 21, 2026

The ICE detention occurred on the morning of Friday, April 17, 2026, near his home in Georgia.

His wife identified him as Baudilio Arriaga, a 48-year-old immigrant from Honduras.

The arrest coincided with his daughter’s third birthday.

Father detained by ICE just steps from his home

“Baudilio Arriaga’s wife described how the Honduran man—who is the main provider for his household, as one of his children has autism—was detained. She is asking for help to afford legal representation.” https://t.co/HyamNqL263

— N+ UNIVISION ATLANTA (@nmasunivATL) April 21, 2026

The operation took place around 6:00 a.m.

According to testimony, Baudilio was traveling as a passenger with three coworkers.

The vehicle was intercepted by immigration agents just a few meters from their apartment complex.

The night before, the father chose not to wake his daughter to wish her a happy birthday.

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He planned to celebrate later, after his workday.

“He thought he would have all day to hug her, but he never came back,” his wife said.

During the ICE detention, one of the occupants managed to send an audio message to family members.

“I had to listen as the officers shouted at them,” the woman recounted.

All occupants of the vehicle were arrested at the scene.

Who was detained?

The family states that the driver had a valid Georgia driver’s license.

They also say the vehicle was not linked to any illegal activity.

According to his wife, two of the detainees are Honduran and one is Nicaraguan.

The father who was detained by ICE had been living in the United States for approximately 13 years.

He did not have legal immigration status.

His wife stated that he had no criminal record.

He is currently being held at the Stewart ICE Detention Center.

His immigration hearing is scheduled for May 26.

The case comes amid an increase in immigration enforcement operations in Georgia.

Impact of the ICE arrest in Georgia on the family

The detention left his wife in charge of their two children.

One of them has autism, which worsens the family’s situation.

The woman says she is facing financial difficulties.

She also stated that she does not have the resources to hire a lawyer.

“You hear these stories in the news, but when it happens to you, you don’t know what to do,” she said.

The case highlights the direct impact of immigration detentions on families.

Especially when children are involved.

Community organizations have pointed out that situations like this affect families with deep roots in the United States.

What began as a family celebration ended in an unexpected separation and an ongoing immigration process.