Two Argentine acrobats who have performed at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando were taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Arizona last week. Agustín Baccega and Gustavo Romanello, a married couple who arrived in the United States in 2020, were detained after traveling to Arizona for a family memorial service.
ICE alleges illegal presence since 2021
According to ICE, the pair have been in the country illegally since 2021 and face deportation. The agency says their work permits, which the couple claims are valid until 2029, do not satisfy the requirements for lawful status. ICE agents also noted that the couple’s pending asylum applications do not provide immediate protection.
Couple’s response and community support
Baccega and Romanello maintain that they are legally employed and have been paying taxes since arriving. Their friend, Jonathan Batchelor, recounted hearing ICE agents tell the couple, “We’re arresting you for being in the country illegally,” to which the couple replied, “No, I’m not, I have asylum.” Batchelor said the agents responded, “That’s not sufficient,” and even joked about needing another pair of handcuffs.
The couple’s attorney has filed a request for congressional assistance, urging lawmakers to intervene on their behalf. The lawyer argues that the performers have contributed to the local economy through their work at major theme parks and by paying taxes, and that their detention disrupts their family’s ability to mourn a loved one.
Immigration enforcement context
This incident occurs amid heightened immigration enforcement actions across the Southwest. While ICE’s mandate is to enforce federal immigration law, critics argue that aggressive detentions can separate families and impact workers who are otherwise contributing members of their communities. Supporters of the enforcement approach contend that the rule of law must be upheld and that individuals who overstay visas should be held accountable.
State and local officials in Arizona have not yet commented on the specific case, but the state has historically supported stricter immigration policies. The federal government, under the Trump administration, continues to prioritize border security and the removal of individuals who are present without legal authorization.
What’s next?
The detained performers are expected to appear before an immigration judge in the coming weeks. Their legal team plans to argue that the work permits are valid and that the pending asylum applications should be considered while the case proceeds. Meanwhile, community members and advocacy groups are monitoring the situation, emphasizing the need for fair treatment under the law.
As the case moves forward, it highlights the broader debate over immigration enforcement, the rights of workers, and the balance between national security and family unity.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
