HOUSTON – A Houston mother says she spent nearly fifty days searching for answers after her teenage son disappeared, was later found by police, and then taken into federal care when officers believed he had no family here.
The case raised questions inside City Hall and led to a court order that brought the teen home days before Thanksgiving.
15-year-old Emmanuel Gonzalez Garcia is now back with his mother and sister. His family says the last two days have been the first quiet moments they have had in weeks.
Below is a full timeline of what happened.
October 4: Emmanuel disappears
Emmanuel was helping his mother sell fruit near Clay Road and Hempstead. His mother says he went to use the restroom and did not return.
She reported him missing and searched the area for hours.
October 5: Police find a teen at a McDonald’s
Houston police found a teenage boy at a McDonald’s on Airline Drive the next morning. Officers said he told them he had no family in Houston. His family and local advocates say Emmanuel has trouble expressing himself and was confused when officers interviewed him.
Police then contacted federal authorities. Emmanuel was transferred to the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement as someone who did not have a parent present.
His mother says she did not know where he was.
Days later: No answers for his family
Emmanuel’s mother says she spent days calling every number she could find to locate her son. She says no one gave her clear information about where he had been taken.
Local immigrant rights group FIEL Houston began assisting the family and urged officials to return Emmanuel to his mother.
October 13: Emergency surgery while in custody
While still in federal care, Emmanuel was taken to Texas Children’s Hospital for appendix surgery. His mother says this was the hardest part because she still was not allowed to be with him.
Mid-October: The case reaches City Hall
The situation became public during a Houston City Council meeting. Police leaders told council members they did not see signs of autism when they found Emmanuel.
Advocates disagreed and argued the city was misunderstanding the family’s explanation.
During the meeting, FIEL’s director, Cesar Espinosa, challenged the city’s account and was escorted out of the council chamber. The moment sparked strong reactions across Houston, especially among families with children who have communication or developmental challenges.
Late October to November: The case moves to federal court
Attorney Ryan Gonzalez and former Justice Frances Borleo filed a federal case on behalf of the family. They argued Emmanuel was never alone, lived with his mother in Houston, and should have been returned immediately.
They said the government had no legal authority to keep him because he did not meet the definition of an unaccompanied child.
A federal judge reviewed the filings and agreed.
November: Emmanuel is released
Days before Thanksgiving, the judge ordered Emmanuel to be released from federal custody and returned to his mother. His family says they have spent the last two days together, sharing meals and trying to regain a sense of normal life.
His mother called the reunion “días felices” and said she is grateful he will be with the family for her daughter’s upcoming birthday.
What comes next
The family’s attorneys say the immigration case tied to Emmanuel’s status is still active. They will continue to represent the family and say their focus now is making sure he stays safe at home.
Community advocates say the case shows the need for clearer communication between police, federal officials, and families when a child is found and cannot communicate clearly.
Emmanuel’s mother says she wants people to know her son was never alone. She says this experience is something she hopes no other family goes through.