Chicago Man Detained by ICE for Months After Mistaken Arrest

Protesters demand release of 22-year-old Federico Alcantar, sole guardian of his two younger siblings

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Demonstrators in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood are calling for the release of 22-year-old Federico Alcantar, who has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for months after being arrested at gunpoint during a traffic stop by agents who were looking for someone else. Alcantar is the sole guardian of his two younger siblings, and his attorney says he should have been released on bond within weeks, but the government is instead spending time and money to keep him detained.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about aggressive immigration enforcement tactics that can lead to the detention of individuals who are not the intended targets, as well as the impact on families when the sole guardian is detained. The community is rallying behind Alcantar to demand his release ahead of a critical immigration hearing.

The details

According to protesters, Alcantar was arrested at gunpoint during an October traffic stop by immigration agents who were looking for someone else. Alcantar's attorney says he should have been released on bond within weeks, but the government is instead spending time and money to keep him detained. Alcantar's mother died of cancer, and his father was murdered in Mexico, leaving him as the sole guardian of his two younger siblings.

  • Alcantar was arrested in October 2025.
  • Alcantar is set to appear before an immigration judge on February 19, 2026.

The players

Federico Alcantar

A 22-year-old Chicago man who has been detained by ICE for months after being arrested at gunpoint during a traffic stop by agents who were looking for someone else. Alcantar is the sole guardian of his two younger siblings.

Katherine Greenslade

Alcantar's attorney, who says he should have been released on bond within weeks of being detained.

Jesús "Chuy" García

A U.S. Representative who is calling for Alcantar's release.

Dick Durbin

A U.S. Senator who is calling Alcantar's detention "cruelty" and not a matter of justice or protection.

Rachel Ventura

An Illinois State Senator who is accusing the federal administration of "wreaking havoc" on communities and tearing families apart.

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What they’re saying

“I still remember that Saturday morning when I found out and the feeling of my heart crushing. All I could think of was he didn't deserve this.”

— Mariela S., Family friend (abc7chicago.com)

“Under normal circumstances, he would have been out on bond within weeks of him being detained. Instead, our government is spending incredible amounts of time and money to keep a young man from going to work or providing for his siblings.”

— Katherine Greenslade, Alcantar's attorney (abc7chicago.com)

“The only just thing for him to do is to be released by ICE and Homeland Security.”

— Jesús "Chuy" García, U.S. Representative (abc7chicago.com)

“What I have heard about Federico today is he was the best of the best. He was standing up for his siblings, so this is not a matter of justice or protection, it's cruelty.”

— Dick Durbin, U.S. Senator (abc7chicago.com)

“We have a federal administration wreaking havoc on our communities, causing fear and chaos to tear families apart. We must not allow this.”

— Rachel Ventura, Illinois State Senator (abc7chicago.com)

What’s next

Alcantar is set to appear before an immigration judge on February 19, 2026, who will determine whether he can stay in the United States or be deported.

The takeaway

This case highlights the harsh realities of aggressive immigration enforcement tactics that can lead to the detention of individuals who are not the intended targets, as well as the devastating impact on families when the sole guardian is detained. The community's rallying cry for Alcantar's release reflects a broader concern about the federal government's approach to immigration issues and its effects on local communities.