Bay Area Mom Arrested by ICE, Separated from Disabled Son

Attorneys scramble to locate mother and two young children after immigration detention

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Lesly Rodriguez Gutierrez, a Colombian asylum-seeker, was arrested by ICE agents in San Francisco this week along with her two young children, one of whom is deaf and did not have his hearing aids. Attorneys have been unable to locate Gutierrez and her children, and fear they may have been quickly moved out of California to prevent legal action. Gutierrez's family reported she contacted them saying she and the children were being deported to Colombia, but attorneys were unaware of this.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges and concerns around immigration enforcement actions that separate families, especially those with vulnerable children. It raises questions about transparency, due process, and the treatment of asylum-seekers and their families by immigration authorities.

The details

Gutierrez, a Colombian asylum-seeker, was arrested by ICE agents on Tuesday after reporting for a check-in at the San Francisco ICE office. She was with her two children, ages 5 and 7, when all three were detained. The 7-year-old boy is deaf and did not have his hearing aids with him. Attorneys have been unable to locate Gutierrez and her children, and suspect ICE quickly moved them out of California to prevent legal action. Gutierrez's family reported she contacted them saying she and the children were being deported to Colombia, but attorneys were unaware of this.

  • Gutierrez was arrested by ICE on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
  • Attorneys were still searching for Gutierrez and her children as of Thursday, March 5, 2026.

The players

Lesly Rodriguez Gutierrez

A Colombian asylum-seeker who was arrested by ICE along with her two young children, one of whom is deaf.

Nikolas De Bremaeker

An immigration attorney with Centro Legal de la Raza who is representing Gutierrez.

Leeza Williams

A teacher at the California School for the Deaf in Fremont who wrote a letter of support for Gutierrez's 7-year-old son.

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What they’re saying

“This child is being sent around the country without the assisted equipment that he desperately needs.”

— Nikolas De Bremaeker, Immigration attorney (San Francisco Chronicle)

“I respectfully and urgently urge all parties involved to consider the profound education and humanitarian stakes for this child. (He) belongs in a classroom where he can thrive, communicate and grow.”

— Leeza Williams, Teacher, California School for the Deaf (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Attorneys plan to file a habeas corpus petition to try to secure the release of Gutierrez and her children, once their location is determined.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by immigrant families, especially those with vulnerable children, when confronted with aggressive immigration enforcement actions. It raises serious concerns about transparency, due process, and the treatment of asylum-seekers by authorities.