Who is Benjamin Marcelo Guerrero-Cruz? All about the LA teen detained by ICE while walking dog

On a peaceful morning in Los Angeles, an 18-year-old was simply walking his family's dog when he was suddenly arrested by immigration agents wearing masks. What was meant to be a calm, carefree moment quickly turned into a stressful and upsetting event, as he was detained by ICE for overstaying his visa.

This incident has raised concerns among his family, friends, and the local community.

What happened?

Benjamin Marcelo Guerrero-Cruz is an 18-year-old high school senior at Reseda Charter High School in Los Angeles. He was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on August 8 while walking his family's dog along Sepulveda Boulevard in Van Nuys. According to authorities, he overstayed the terms of his Visa Waiver Program by more than two years.

Who is Benjamin Marcelo Guerrero-Cruz?

Benjamin is an 18-year-old student at Reseda Charter High School in Los Angeles. He is originally from Chile. On August 8, while walking his family's dog in Van Nuys, his life was abruptly changed when masked agents from ICE detained him. His dog was reportedly tied to a tree and left to roam freely on Sepulveda Boulevard.He had just turned 18 and was preparing to start school, but now he is in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, facing possible deportation for allegedly overstaying his visa by more than two years.

Benjamin has been taken into custody, which has disrupted his plans for senior year. A statement from the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Guerrero-Cruz overstayed his visa by more than two years, violating the Visa Waiver Program, which required him to leave the country by March 15, 2023.

Aftermath of the arrest

Benjamin is more than just a teenager; he is a vital part of his family. He helps take care of his 5-month-old twin brothers and his 6-year-old sibling.

His family set up a GoFundMe page to help with legal and living expenses, describing him as a “devoted son, caring brother, loyal friend, and valued member of our community.”That's not all.His soccer teammates and friends have spoken highly of him, praising his quiet strength and sportsmanship. One teammate described him as “rock-solid – always showed up, worked hard, and could be counted on week after week,” while another noted his humility, calm under pressure, and ability to uplift those around him.

Benjamin's detention has sparked concern about how immigrants are treated and about immigration policies. The GoFundMe page also recounts a disturbing moment: as agents arrested him, they tied his dog to a tree, unclipped its collar, and released it to roam freely on Sepulveda Boulevard.Benjamin's mother shared troubling details with LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, describing the detention environment as overcrowded, with up to 40 men in a small space, no room to sit or lie down, insufficient food, and limited access to water.

“He drinks water once a day,” said Carvalho, as reported by the Los Angeles Times, recounting the mother's words. “She was crying with every word that came out of her mouth.

”Benjamin's family started a GoFundMe campaign to cover legal and living costs. As of now, the campaign has raised over $47,000, showing the community's support during this difficult time. A family associate shared that the agents joked about having a weekend of drinks "thanks to him" as they detained the teen.

What's next?

Benjamin's detention marks a sudden and traumatic start to his senior year, and it's a major setback in his young life. This arrest has also raised fears among immigrant families in Los Angeles, especially with ongoing immigration enforcement near schools. Earlier this year, immigration agents tried to enter an elementary school and mistakenly handcuffed a 15-year-old with disabilities near his school.Benjamin's arrest adds to these existing concerns, especially as enforcement near schools continues. Carvalho emphasized the lasting impact these actions have on students: “These moments imprint on young minds, distracting them from academic lessons and replacing intellectual curiosity with worry.”