a day ago
Girlfriend Says Teen Soccer Star Detained by ICE on Second Day of School
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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The girlfriend of Roberto Itzep-Caba, an 18-year-old Toombs County High School student in Georgia, said he was reportedly detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on August 8 following a routine traffic stop for failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign.
The detention occurred on the teenager's second day of school as he was driving to campus after dropping his mother off at work—a routine he had followed for years without incident, according to local news station ABC 22 and a GoFundMe set up to help him.
Newsweek has reached out to ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) via email on Saturday for comment.
Why It Matters
President Donald Trump has ordered his administration to remove millions of undocumented immigrants as he looks to fulfill his campaign pledge of widespread mass deportations. In addition to people living in the country without legal status, immigrants with valid documentation, including green cards and visas, have also been detained.
Immigration authorities have been under increased scrutiny amid allegations of misconduct, with the agency at the center of the national debate over immigration policy. Concerns have been raised over the legality and human impact of ICE's enforcement practices.
What To Know
Itzep-Caba immigrated from Guatemala with his family when he was 4 years old and has lived in Toombs County for 14 years.
He is an accomplished student-athlete, serving as a starter on the Toombs County High School soccer team and competing in cross country. Most notably, he was part of the school's first-ever State Championship soccer win in 2024.
According to his girlfriend Maritza Zamorano, who organized a GoFundMe campaign for his legal defense, Itzep-Caba has no criminal record and is known for his dedication, teamwork, and leadership. He comes from a close-knit family with two sisters, one brother, and a new sibling on the way.
The fundraising campaign has raised $13,358 of its $15,000 goal as of Saturday afternoon, with 336 donations from community members. The funds are designated specifically for legal representation to help secure his release and potential return home.
Roberto Itzep-Caba, an 18-year-old Toombs County High School student, was reportedly detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on his second day of school.
Roberto Itzep-Caba, an 18-year-old Toombs County High School student, was reportedly detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on his second day of school.
GoFundMe
What People Are Saying
Maritza Zamorano, Roberto's girlfriend and GoFundMe organizer, wrote in part on the fundraising page: "On the morning of August 8th, Roberto Itzep-Caba, was pulled over on his way to school after dropping off his mom at work. He didn't come to a complete stop at a stop sign, and without any warning, he was handcuffed and arrested in front of other students. Roberto has never been pulled over while driving. He wasn't given any chance or warning. He's done a lot of good things for the school and our community."
She continued: "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. I hope this reaches the right audience. Any money raised will go into helping Roberto be back home!"
What Happens Next?
Itzep-Caba's family is working with legal representatives to navigate the immigration detention process, though they remain uncertain about when they might see him again or where he will be transferred next.
The family's immediate focus is securing adequate legal representation through the community fundraising effort.
