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Once in custody, officers learned that Caba had an administrative warrant for his arrest from the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency for failing to appear at a Border Patrol hearing in 2017. According to information received by officers, Caba and his father allegedly crossed the United States border illegally in 2016 by crossing a river. The pair were confronted by Border Patrol, who ordered the father and son to attend a hearing regarding the matter in November 2017, but neither attended.

Even though Caba was a child at the time of the crossing, new federal legislation requires that he be held accountable for the event – meaning, officers had to notify ICE of the arrest. Caba was transferred into ICE’s care, and has since been moved to Stewart Immigration Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia.

Community members have rallied around Caba, as a GoFundMe page has even garnered over $15,000 of donations to help Caba obtain an immigration lawyer.

“He’s a hardworking student and a talented athlete — a starter on the Toombs County High School soccer team and a member of the first-ever State Championship win for Toombs County Soccer in 2024. He’s also on the cross country team, known for his dedication, teamwork, and leadership. He has no criminal record and is loved by teachers, teammates, and friends,” Fundraiser and Supporter Maritza Zamorano emphasized. “Now, instead of being in class or on the field, Roberto is in jail on an immigration hold. His family has no idea where he will be taken next. He has two sisters, one brother, and a new sibling on the way who need him home. This is his home — the only one he’s ever known — and he deserves the same chance as any of us to live and grow here.”

Several other family members and friends have shared their own pleas for Caba’s release, as they hope to have the student back in the classroom and on the soccer field soon.

Caba remains in custody at this time.