St. Johns school custodian is detained by ICE

A St. Johns County public school custodian, Leonel Armando Bolivar Linares, was detained by ICE on August 6 while en route to work, separating him from his family. DHS officials stated Bolivar Linares, a Venezuelan national, entered the U.S. lawfully but that the Venezuela TPS designation had been terminated, and he does not have legal authorization to remain. The St. Johns Educational Support Professional Association described him as a dedicated employee with asylum paperwork pending and noted he has no criminal record. His family has hired an attorney and started fundraising to cover potential immigration bonds and legal costs as they await further proceedings. Local union leaders and family members emphasize the emotional and financial toll of the case and call for due process and support for staff affected by immigration enforcement. Coverage across local outlets underscores ongoing concerns about how immigration status can impact school employees and the communities they serve.