Chattanooga Prep Student Deported to Guatemala
Federal agents removed a local student and his family following 2019 removal orders.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Immigration
Federal immigration agents detained and deported a Chattanooga Preparatory student and his family to Guatemala in September 2026. The family had remained in the United States despite receiving final removal orders from an immigration judge seven years prior.
Why it matters
The deportation has prompted a local investigation into whether law enforcement assisted federal authorities. Officials are scrutinizing coordination between local agencies and federal immigration enforcement in the handling of long-standing removal orders.
An immigration judge issued final removal orders for the family in 2019. The student had a pending application for a juvenile visa at the time of the September 2026 detention.
The players
Warren Mackey
He is a Hamilton County Commissioner currently investigating potential local police involvement in the deportation.
Anastasio Tomas
He is the Chattanooga Preparatory student who was deported to Guatemala with his family.
The details
ICE agents took the student and his brother into custody last month while they were traveling to school in Chattanooga. While the family had remained in the country for years following their 2019 removal orders, the student continues to pursue a juvenile visa in hopes of eventually returning.
Timeline
An immigration judge issued final removal orders for the family in 2019.
ICE took the student and his brother into custody in September 2026.
Commissioner Warren Mackey commented on the deportation in October 2026.
Political Context
The family's situation centers on the Immigration and Nationality Act's juvenile visa provisions. This case highlights the tension between long-standing federal removal orders and ongoing claims for protected status among minors.
Local families may face heightened uncertainty regarding immigration enforcement priorities and local law enforcement coordination. Residents concerned about policy changes should monitor updates from county officials regarding jurisdictional cooperation agreements.
The takeaway
The case emphasizes the importance of understanding the status of legal immigration proceedings for families residing in the U.S. under removal orders. Affected individuals should seek counsel to navigate potential protections provided by pending visa applications.
Further reading
Learn more about local Immigration policies and enforcement trends.
