SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio family is searching for answers after their father, identified by relatives only as Sandro, was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as he arrived at work last week.
Sandro’s daughter, Lisset, said her father has lived in the United States for about 30 years, pays taxes and has no criminal record.
She said he has been in the process of obtaining U.S. citizenship, a process she described as lengthy.
ICE detained Sandro on Jan. 21 at an apartment complex near Churchill High School, Lisset said.
“We didn’t anticipate or think that this was possible because me and my sister are citizens, and my mom is a resident here,” she said. “So, we have everything in process to keep him here. His visa was approved. We have everything secured.”
Lisset said her father came to the U.S. when he was 18, along with his siblings, to seek a better life.
“He has everything — all his ducks in a row, basically,” she said. “And we don’t understand why he’s in there.”
The family has turned to social media to share Sandro’s story and connect with others who have faced similar situations.
In one video posted online, Lisset described her father as a “fragile” person who “loves animals” and is “silly.”
“I get messages from people who have gone through this, and it kind of gives us, like, fuel to keep going,” Lisset said.
Lisset said Sandro has diabetes and high blood pressure. For at least three days after his detention, she said he was denied medication for his conditions.
She said he is now being held at the Karnes County Detention Facility.
Lisset said it is working with an attorney to file a petition for a judge to release him and is waiting for a hearing that could take up to three weeks.
“I know he’s really scared,” she said, describing a recent phone call. “I could tell he was crying, for sure. I know he hasn’t slept. I basically just told him that I love him, that I’m doing everything I can to support him.”
KSAT reached out to ICE about Sandro’s detention.
An ICE spokesperson sent the following:
On Jan. 22, ICE officers in San Antonio arrested Sandro Valenzuela Nunez, an illegal alien from Mexico, during a routine enforcement action. Nunez was taken into custody without incident and remains detained pending immigration proceedings. During questioning, Nunez claimed he was addressing his immigration status; however, records show he has no pending immigration benefits on file.
After his arrival at the ICE detention center, Nunez underwent an initial medical screening. His prescribed medication was promptly ordered and administered. The following day, a medical provider conducted a comprehensive evaluation and established a care plan. Nunez continues to receive his medication and ongoing medical assistance as needed.
ICE Spokesperson
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