Editor’s note: this story has been updated to include a statement from the organization providing legal representation for Emerson Colindres.
Emerson Colindres, the 19-year-old Cincinnati high school graduate who was recently arrested by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), will be moved to a different prison tonight, sources familiar with the matter tell CityBeat.
Sources tell CityBeat that ICE has not clarified to his mother, Ada Bell Baquedano Amador, where her son will be transferred. This comes just hours after the family’s attorney filed at least one motion in an effort to block Colindres’ deportation to Honduras, a country he hasn’t seen in over 10 years.
CityBeat received a statement from Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio, the organization providing legal representation for Colindres, about his impending transfer.
“Our client informed us earlier today that he is being moved. This is all we know. Despite repeated attempts to learn more, we are deeply concerned about this action being taken prior to a decision on motions filed in this case, especially in light of the genuine concern the community has for this young man,” said David Taylor, director of marketing and communications at Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio.
Colindres’ soccer teammates are organizing a protest at 6 p.m. on Monday outside the Butler County Jail where Colindres has been detained since his arrest on June 4.
Read more about Colindres’ case, including interviews with his mother, soccer coach and more.
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Background
Colindres has no criminal record, a pending U-visa application with his family and perfect check-in attendance with ICE since he arrived in the U.S. He was arrested during a routine check-in with ICE officials at the agency’s office in Blue Ash. Colindres was asked by agents to report to the office so they could issue him an ankle monitor. His mother and 16-year-old sister were given a 30-day notice to leave the country two days after his arrest.
Colindres’ arrest sparked national attention after a June 8 protest outside the Butler County Jail drew hundreds of supporters calling for his release. This comes as President Donald Trump broadens his attacks on the noncitizen community, with senior ICE officials urging officers to increase arrest numbers to meet a quota of 3,000 arrests per day.
This is a developing story.
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This article appears in Jun 11-24, 2025.