Edwin Josue Toalombo, a computer science student at the University of Minnesota, was detained by ICE officers on Jan. 11 along with his father, who is identified by the pseudonym Santiago out of fear of retaliation. Edwin was held in a detention center in El Paso, Texas, until April 16 — more than three months. His father was released in early February after roughly three weeks on bond, per the Minnesota Daily.
Toalombo had completed his first semester at the university before he was detained, according to the Minnesota Daily. He wasn't enrolled in classes at the time because of an unpaid $650 fee, and he's now working for a family friend to pay it off. He previously attended on a full ride through The Dream National Scholarship and is reapplying for that funding if he returns this fall. "I'm gonna fight to stay here, complete my four-year degree and I'm gonna try my best," he told the Minnesota Daily.
Toalombo described rough conditions in detention: he got sick shortly after arriving, suspected to be COVID-19, received no medical attention, and was housed with other sick detainees for 10 days. He went a month without a change of clothes. "24 hours in four walls all the time. The same food, same people. It was kind of stressful," he said, per the Minnesota Daily. He also said he worried constantly about his family: "I was wondering, how's my dad, how's my mom, how's my little brother. How's he thinking about me, like I'm detained cause I'm bad or I did something wrong."
Toalombo had applied for a U-visa before his detention, a process that can take years. During his time in custody he faced four court cases, and in the fourth he applied for asylum; his next asylum hearing is scheduled for October 2027, according to the Minnesota Daily. His father is also applying for a U-visa but currently has no attorney representing him. Santiago told the Minnesota Daily his case is "on hold" because he doesn't have documentation cleared up, adding: "There is hope, and we have to keep fighting or face whatever comes our way. I realized that even the smallest act of kindness from others can mean a lot."
Mary Alexander, who sponsors Toalombo through an Affidavit of Support, praised his character and drive to the Minnesota Daily, recalling phone calls during his detention when he asked about her wellbeing despite his own circumstances. Friends and teachers also supported the family while he and his father were held.