A Florida school custodian was detained by federal immigration officers while heading to work in St. Johns County, leaving his family pleading for his release as his union and the Department of Homeland Security offer sharply different accounts of his immigration status.
Leonel Armando Bolivar Linares, 29, worked as a custodian at Trout Creek Academy in St. Johns County when he was taken into custody last week, according to local reporting from News4JAX.
The St. Johns Educational Support Professional Association described Bolivar Linares as a “dedicated custodian in our public schools” and said he was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement while traveling to work.
His mother, Diana Linares, said the detention has taken an emotional toll on the family.
“I feel very sad because my son is going through something he doesn’t deserve,” she told News4JAX, describing him as hardworking and responsible.
She said her son called from custody asking his family to remain strong and have faith as people worked to help him.
“Every day is harder,” she said.
Union and DHS Give Different Accounts of His Immigration Status
Bolivar Linares’ union says he has no criminal record and was seeking asylum in the United States with a valid work permit while additional paperwork remained pending.
Union president Charlena Retkowski said in a letter that the family was facing “tremendous uncertainty” as it tried to navigate the immigration process.
“We understand that Leonel has no criminal record and was in the United States seeking asylum with a valid work permit, with additional paperwork pending,” Retkowski said, according to the St. Johns Citizen.
The Department of Homeland Security gave a different account.
A DHS spokesperson told News4JAX that Bolivar Linares, a Venezuelan national, entered the United States legally through Miami International Airport on Feb. 3, 2023, but no longer has legal authorization to remain in the country following changes involving Venezuela’s Temporary Protected Status designation.
“Bolivar does not have legal authorization to remain in the United States and will remain in ICE custody for immigration proceedings,” the spokesperson said.
The union’s assertion that Bolivar Linares has a pending asylum case and valid work authorization has not been independently confirmed in the publicly available reporting. News4JAX also reported that the specific immigration charges in his case, the status of any asylum application, and whether a hearing date has been set remained unclear.
A Florida School Community Rallies Around Its Custodian
The case has moved beyond one family’s immigration fight because Bolivar Linares was working inside the St. Johns County public school system.
Retkowski urged supporters to contact immigration authorities and request that his case be reviewed. The union said Bolivar Linares remains separated from his family while in federal custody.
His family has also launched a fundraising campaign seeking help with immigration attorney fees, a potential bond and other legal expenses. News4JAX reported that the fundraiser had collected more than $2,000 toward a $20,000 goal as of Aug. 9.
The detention comes as immigration enforcement remains a closely watched issue across Florida, but for Bolivar Linares’ family, the immediate concern is much more personal: getting legal help and finding a path to bring him home.
His mother said her son wants to return to work and continue building his life in the United States.
For now, DHS says he will remain in ICE custody while immigration proceedings continue. News4JAX reported that it had contacted ICE, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and the St. Johns County School District for additional comment.
