# San Diego Haitian minor federal custody case

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/san-diego-haitian-minor-federal-custody-case
> Updated: 2026-11-09T02:24:24.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 2.

An 8-year-old Haitian boy was taken into federal custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in San Diego during a scheduled immigration appointment. The child, a third grader at Fay Elementary School, had been living with his uncle and cousins following the deportation of his father in March 2025. 

ICE officials classified the child as an unaccompanied minor under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act because the uncle could not establish legal guardianship. The agency stated the decision was made out of an abundance of caution to ensure the child's safety, noting that no wrongdoing or abuse by the uncle was alleged. The child was subsequently transferred to the care of the Office of Refugee Resettlement.

Local representatives, the San Diego Unified School District, and the Haitian Bridge Alliance have called for the boy to be reunited with his family. The school district noted that the uncle is listed as an authorized caregiver on school records and has written to the Department of Homeland Security requesting the child's release to maintain educational continuity. The district has also provided psychological support to affected students and teachers.

Democratic lawmakers, including Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, have requested information regarding the child's whereabouts and safety. It has been noted that the boy previously held Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which was recently terminated following a Supreme Court decision.

## Claims

- An 8-year-old Haitian boy was placed in federal custody following an ICE appointment. (reported by 3 sources)
- The child lost his Temporary Protected Status earlier this year. (reported by 3 sources)
- The boy's father was deported to Mexico more than a year ago. (reported by 3 sources)
- The uncle was designated as an authorized caregiver on school records. (reported by 3 sources)
- ICE treated the child as an unaccompanied child under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act. (reported by 3 sources)
- ICE did not allege any wrongdoing or abuse by the uncle. (reported by 3 sources)
- The child was placed in the care of the Office of Refugee Resettlement. (reported by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-11-09: San Diego school district protests ICE custody of 8-year-old Haitian boy

An 8-year-old Haitian boy was placed in federal custody by ICE in San Diego after attending an immigration check-in with his uncle, sparking protests from school officials and advocates.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/san-diego-8-year-old-haitian-boy-placed-in-federal-custody

### 2026-11-07: San Diego immigration authorities detain 8-year-old Haitian boy

An 8-year-old Haitian boy was detained by ICE in San Diego during an immigration appointment, leading to a dispute over legal custody and calls for his reunification with his uncle.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/san-diego-immigration-authorities-detain-8-year-old-haitian-boy

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Cite as: San Diego Haitian minor federal custody case. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/san-diego-haitian-minor-federal-custody-case