Christian Ramírez Centeno and Daniel Ramírez Ávila's family has asked Peru's foreign ministry to intervene following their detention at an Oklahoma correctional facility.
Relatives told Peruvian broadcaster RPP that United States immigration authorities could deport both men across the Mexican border, leaving them stranded without official oversight or assistance.
Sarita Ramírez, the sister of 49-year-old Daniel Ramírez Ávila and aunt of 21-year-old Christian Ramírez Centeno, confirmed that both men are being held at the Diamondback Correctional Facility in Oklahoma.
The Diamondback Correctional Facility, located in Watonga, Oklahoma, is a medium-security facility that has historically operated under private management to house state and federal detainees, including individuals held under federal immigration proceedings.
Missed Court Date and Arrest
The two Peruvian citizens have resided in the United States since 2022. Daniel Ramírez Ávila held official documentation granting him authorization to work in the country, but he missed a scheduled appearance at an immigration court on August 3.
Sarita Ramírez explained that her brother mistakenly believed the hearing was scheduled for the end of August due to an oversight. As he returned to his home accompanied by his nephew after missing the court date, law enforcement officers intervened and detained both men.
The family has been in a state of severe desperation since August 5 while trying to secure help and information regarding the pair's location and legal status.
The detainees remained without any communication for 72 hours until Saturday evening, when Daniel Ramírez Ávila managed to place a phone call at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Distress Call and Border Deportation Risk
During the call, Daniel spoke directly to his sister-in-law, begging the family to take immediate action on their behalf. He informed her that officials were planning to deport both him and his nephew across the border into Mexico.
Sarita Ramírez stated that she repeatedly contacted the Peruvian Consulate in Dallas by telephone and WhatsApp to request urgent diplomatic assistance. Consular staff instructed her to await an official email response and later told her they had spoken with her brother, who reported that both men were in good health.
While Ramírez confirmed that her brother and nephew are physically well, she pointed out that 21-year-old Christian Ramírez Centeno lives with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD. The neurodevelopmental condition affects executive function and can cause heightened stress during prolonged confinement.
Calls for Consular Protection and Safe Return
Ramírez appealed to the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, known as the Cancillería, as well as the Consulate of Peru in Dallas and the Ministry of External Relations, requesting that official personnel accompany her relatives throughout the legal process.
She emphasized that government entities must actively monitor the border area to prevent the men from being left alone, safeguard their physical integrity, and guarantee their total security as Peruvian citizens.
The family requested that diplomatic intervention focus on ensuring both men receive full consular protection so they can return safely to Peru rather than being abandoned in Mexico.
