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East Tennessee teen detained by ICE four days after graduating high school says he’s being held in ‘inhumane conditions’: ‘They treat us all like inmates’ ICE claims that the 18-year-old missed four required check-ins.His family, however, says that’s not the case, and that they have proof.OOLTEWAH, Tenn.(WSMV) - Last Thursday, 18-year-old Daniel Romero walked across the stage of Ooltewah High School to receive his high school diploma.On Monday, he was detained by ICE.His parents told NBC affiliate Local 3 News that they are part of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Alternatives to Detention (ATD) programs, which the federal agency says aims to “ensure compliance with release conditions and case management services.” On Monday, Daniel Romero and his parents went to what they thought was going to be a routine immigration appointment in Chattanooga.While they usually go through the appointments all together, his parents told Local 3 News that this time, Romero was separated from his parents.En Español: ICE detiene a joven de 18 años en su cita migratoria rutinaria en Chattanooga, Tennessee When they were later allowed to leave, an ICE agent told them Daniel had been detained because of “several immigration law violations,” the family told Local 3.As part of the supervision administered under their program, the family is supposed to provide weekly photos.Giovanni Valderrama, Daniel’s stepfather, told Local 3 that when the family asked ICE what violations were committed, they told them that “he didn’t take the photo.” “According to them, he failed to take one of the photos that we are supposedly taking on a weekly basis,” Valderrama said.ICE told Local 3 News that Romero, who is originally from Colombia, was taken into custody on May 18 “following several significant violations of his Alternative to Detention program requirements.” “ATD participants may be subject to various forms of supervision, such as regular check-ins, electronic monitoring, or other reporting requirements,” an ICE spokesman said.“In this case, Romero missed four required check-ins, resulting in his termination from the program.” It’s unclear what those specific violations are.Records that the family shared with Local 3 showed that they have completed various tasks since April, with the most recent biometric registration being recorded on May 4.They said that Daniel’s phone will show the same, but that U.S.authorities took his device.“We complied with everything and always requested any necessary permissions in advance,” Valderrama said.“Location services are always enabled for photos, and I was very careful to ensure that Daniel did so.” Daniel Romero is being held in Alabama’s Etowah County Jail as he awaits transfer to a detention facility in Louisiana.While his family was speaking with Local 3, they received a phone call from Romero, who said that officials “treat us all like inmates.” “The people I’m with here are actually very good people — folks who, in my opinion, shouldn’t have to go through this either," he told Local 3.“I truly believe that everything they are doing constitutes an injustice, because absolutely no one deserves this.” “These are inhumane conditions,” he added, “situations that simply shouldn’t exist.” Romero’s detainment has sparked concern among his former classmates and teachers.His former teacher, Rebekah Langford, described him as gentle, noble and honest.“You hear these narratives of like, ‘we’re going after these certain people that are dangerous,’” she said.“...He is the exact opposite of anyone.He wouldn’t hurt a fly.He’s just very gentle, he’s a very gentle person.” Today, his graduation decorations remain in his home.His mother, Alexandra Romero, has set up a GoFundMe, describing the “incredibly difficult moment” they are facing.“We are doing everything we can to bring him home.Just four days ago, he graduated and received his first car as a gift—something he was so proud of," she wrote in the fundraiser.“...The legal process is overwhelming and expensive, and I am reaching out for help because I cannot do this alone.” The funds raised will go toward paying for a lawyer to handle his case.More than $7,200 has been raised.“Having the right legal support is crucial to give him the best chance of being reunited with our family as soon as possible.Every dollar will make a real difference in helping us cover these urgent legal fees,” she wrote.“...Your support, whether through a donation or by sharing this fundraiser, means the world to us.Thank you for standing with our family during this challenging time.” Copyright 2026 WSMV.All rights reserved.Join The Conversation We want to hear what you think.Create a free account to share your thoughts.Read our community guidelines here.