Chicago-area father of Air Force airman detained by ICE after immigration status interview: attorney

ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team WLS logo
Saturday, July 18, 2026 3:31AM
Father of Air Force airman detained by ICE after check-in: attorney

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A Chicago-area man is in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody after being detained following a scheduled immigration status interview, his attorney said.

His daughter, who serves in the U.S. Air Force, is now hoping for his release.

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Luis Alberto Ramirez Zavala went to his interview in Missouri on Thursday.

His family says he has been following the immigration process for years and went to the interview to adjust his status.

The man's attorney told ABC7 he has no criminal record and was detained because of a removal order from more than 30 years ago.

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His daughter, serving in the Air Force in California, started to worry while waiting for her father.

The family says they're heartbroken by the separation.

ABC7 has reached out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for more information.

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