U.S. Teen Reunites with Family After Immigration Raid Misfortune
A 15-year-old U.S. citizen, Eli Carrillo, has returned home in Gary, Indiana, after spending nearly two weeks in a juvenile detention center following an immigration raid on his family on October 23, 2023. Eli described being back home as “wonderful,” expressing relief to be reunited with his siblings. He commented, “I would have felt more at peace there had I known mom and dad were safely at home.”
The raid targeted his father, Rosario Carrillo Lopez, and took place early in the morning as agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrived at their residence. The family disputes claims made by ICE that Carrillo Lopez attempted to escape by hitting a government vehicle. The family alleges that ICE agents were the ones who struck Carrillo Lopez’s vehicle during the incident.
On the morning of the raid, Eli had just begun his school day at Gary Lighthouse Charter School. His sister, Sarai Carrillo, 24, informed him of the crash via text, advising him to refrain from discussing the incident. Eli later recounted feeling unsettled by the news.
The raid resulted in the arrest of Eli, his siblings, and their father. Eli’s brother, Arnoldo Carrillo, 26, was released after several hours, while Sarai, also a U.S. citizen, spent one day in custody. Their father remains incarcerated, with his arraignment scheduled for November 24 in federal court in Hammond, Indiana. Federal prosecutors have charged Carrillo Lopez with assaulting a federal officer, claiming he used his vehicle as a weapon against agents.
Eli’s mother, Martha Carrillo, was initially taken to the Broadview immigration facility outside Chicago and later transferred to a detention center in El Paso, Texas. Arnoldo stated he has paid his mother’s bond but is still awaiting information on her release process.
Eli and his siblings are grappling with the aftermath of the raid, with Eli facing charges of assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest. He contends that he acted in self-defense during a chaotic moment when agents stormed their home. “I never tried to do any of that,” Eli asserted. He acknowledged throwing a punch during the raid, which he described as terrifying.
Upon returning to school, Eli received a warm welcome. He remarked, “It felt like the first day of school,” despite the challenges he faced in detention, where he struggled to complete schoolwork.
The family’s situation has drawn attention, with allegations of excessive force by ICE during the raid. Eli reported that an agent threatened to break his arm and that he was thrown against a porch, resulting in head injuries. Arnoldo claimed he suffered visible injuries, including a black eye, following the interaction with agents. Their mother, who is diabetic, was reportedly bitten by a police dog during the raid.
In a statement, M. Scott Proctor, the Acting U.S. Attorney, emphasized the seriousness of the allegations against Eli, stating that federal law prohibits assaulting federal agents. He declined to comment on specific details regarding the case, citing the ongoing investigation.
The Carrillo family is attempting to navigate both emotional and financial challenges. Arnoldo noted that their father’s fencing business has suffered significantly since the raid. To assist with legal costs, the family has established a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised nearly $30,000.
U.S. Homeland Security Director Kristi Noem addressed the issue at a press conference, asserting that U.S. citizens are not targeted during immigration enforcement actions. Arnoldo reacted to this statement with skepticism, asserting that the facts of their case contradict that claim.
As legal proceedings continue, the family remains hopeful for the return of their parents. Carrillo Lopez’s defense attorney, Roxanne Mendez Johnson, has argued that her client poses no flight risk and has deep community ties, having lived in Gary since 2008. She described the traffic stop and subsequent raid as frightening and aggressive.
The Carrillo family’s plight highlights the complexities surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States, particularly the impact on families and children caught in the crossfire.
