McDonald County student’s ICE detention moves to federal court

The detention of a 19-year-old McDonald County High School student is now the subject of a federal court challenge.

An attorney for Rodrigo Gonzalez Carbajal filed a habeas corpus petition Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.

He is challenging his continued immigration detention. The court issued an order to show cause on Thursday, meaning the government has been directed to respond.

Gonzalez Carbajal has been in federal immigration custody since September 29 after he was pulled over on his way home from his soccer game.

The Noel Marshal's Office said deputies initially stopped him for suspected speeding and determined he did not have a valid driver's license.

A records check then returned an active immigration warrant and ongoing removal proceedings.

The marshal's office said the immigration information was separate from the initial traffic violation and that local officers did not independently determine Gonzalez Carbajal's immigration status.

Immigration court information previously provided to the station shows Gonzalez Carbajal has a pending case and a master calendar hearing scheduled for Jan. 3, 2028, in Kansas City.

Supporters, through a GoFundMe, say he has applied for asylum, has federal work authorization, and a Social Security card. A petition seeking his release says he has not missed an immigration hearing.

The case has also renewed attention on Noel's participation in ICE's 287(g) Task Force Model, which allows specially trained local officers to exercise limited federal immigration authority during routine police duties.

ICE says Task Force Model officers complete a 40-hour online training course covering immigration law, civil rights, racial profiling, and liability.

Critics say the changes raise questions about whether local officers receive enough training before exercising federal immigration powers.