The parents of a Trout Creek Academy custodian say their son has been held in federal immigration custody for three months after being detained on his way to work in August.

Leonel Armando Bolivar Linares, 29, was minutes from arriving at the St. Johns County school when he was pulled over and taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, his parents told Action News Jax, which first reported the story.

Linares, originally from Venezuela, had been granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in 2023. TPS for Venezuelans expired late last year, Action News Jax reported. He was in the United States seeking asylum while on a work permit and had no criminal record, his parents said. Action News Jax published a translation of comments from his mother, Diana Linares.

"We didn't come here to steal anything from anyone. We're custodians of a school. We clean floors. We fix classrooms," she said.

Two bond requests denied

The family has tried twice to secure his release on bond. Both were denied.

His parents said he had a steady job and no criminal record. A federal judge ordered that Linares be granted a bond hearing or released from custody, Action News Jax reported. His father said the hearing took place within four days of the judge's order. But the family's hope was brief. Linares was deemed a flight risk.

"Where are we going to escape? If we are afraid to return to Venezuela...," Diana Linares said. The family disputes that finding.

Health concerns mount

His parents say Linares has lost 30 pounds since being detained. He is being held at a facility in New Mexico. Diana Linares said she feels her son is "in prison without committing a crime."

The family is consulting with an immigration attorney about next steps, Action News Jax reported.

The district requires all employees in support positions, including custodians, to pass a Level II background check with fingerprinting before they can work in schools, according to district records.