Immigration Court Denies Asylum for Federico, Sole Caretaker of Two Orphaned Siblings

Despite widespread community support, Congressional backing, and no criminal record, 22-year-old faces deportation. 

February 25, 2026 | CHICAGO, IL — The Resurrection Project today expressed deep disappointment following the decision to deny Federico Alcantar's application for asylum - a ruling that has left two children without their only remaining guardian. 

Federico, 22, served as the sole caretaker of his younger siblings since the death of their mother to cancer and the murder of their father—the events that forced the family to flee to the United States in search of safety. Though the government acknowledged the importance of Federico's caretaking role, it denied him the chance to remain in the country to fulfill it.  

Official DHS social media accounts responded to news of the community's support for Federico with defamatory lies alleging he had attempted to use his vehicle as a weapon to harm DHS officials—a claim never raised by government attorneys and consistent with a troubling pattern of DHS fabricating stories to justify its actions. 

More than 1,800 people—including members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation—stood with Federico, making clear he was not a flight risk but a young man with responsibilities, deep community ties, and people waiting for him at home. 

"This decision does not reflect who Federico is or the life he built here," said Tovia Siegel, Director of Organizing and Leadership for Immigrant Justice at The Resurrection Project. "These attacks are not designed to keep us safe. They are designed to break up our families, fracture our communities, and leave us more isolated and more vulnerable." 

The Resurrection Project will continue to organize and advocate for Federico and his loved ones—and for every immigrant family in Illinois facing the same threat. 

"Our people have always found comfort in each other, and we're showing that now," said Erendira Rendón, Vice President of Immigrant Justice at The Resurrection Project. "Federico's siblings have lost yet another guardian, and this community is not walking away from them." 

The Resurrection Project encourages community members to donate to the family's GoFundMe, where every contribution directly supports the children that Federico was fighting to provide for: Helping Two Siblings Through a Tough Transition