‘Very Frightened’: Orlando Theme Park Performers Detained by ICE
ICE says the two men overstayed their admission after entering the United States in 2020, while friends and advocates seek their release.
- On Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained Universal Orlando performers Agustin Baccega and Gustavo Romanello at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport after they arrived for a memorial service.
- ICE officials allege Baccega and Romanello overstayed their visas in 2021, claiming work permits do not prevent enforcement. The pair maintain they have pending asylum applications and valid permits authorizing their presence.
- Agents said, "Oh, this is another one," while arresting the couple, according to friend Jonathan Batchelor. Supporters have raised more than $42,000 via GoFundMe for legal fees; neither man has a criminal record.
- Baccega and Romanello are held at separate Arizona facilities about 25 miles apart. Friends have contacted U.S. Congressman Maxwell Frost and Congressman Darren Soto seeking assistance to secure their release.
- Their arrests reflect a surge in airport detentions under the Trump administration targeting thousands for removal. Data shows ICE arrested 21 people at Phoenix Sky Harbor through July 2026, marking a shift from zero prior arrests.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Two circus performers with pending asylum cases were swept up by ICE at Sky Harbor
Agustin Baccega and Gustavo Romanello had just gotten off their plane at Terminal 3 of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport when two men in plainclothes, one wearing a baseball cap, approached them. One of the men said Baccega’s full name, asking if he was that person to which he replied “yes.” Moments later, he was […]
Two Universal Orlando Epic Universe performers detained by ICE in Arizona
Two performers at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement last weekend after traveling to Arizona for a funeral. Husbands Agustin Baccega and Gustavo Romanello first came to the U.S. legally in 2020 from Argentina. They applied for asylum — their cases remain pending — and were given social security […]
Central Florida theme park performers detained by ICE in Arizona
Two acrobats from Argentina, who have performed at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, were arrested in Arizona for allegedly overstaying their visas despite claiming legal status through work permits and pending asylum applications.
‘Very frightened’: Orlando theme park performers detained by ICE
Agustin Baccega and Gustavo Romanello, both from Argentina, traveled to Arizona last weekend to visit an ill friend. According to their friend and fellow performer, Alexa Nielen, the two were taken into custody Saturday moments after getting off their plane.
Orlando Sentinel
Times West VirginianTwo beloved Universal Epic Universe performers arrested by ICE in Phoenix
Agustin Baccega and Gustavo Romanello flew to Arizona from Orlando on Saturday to attend the funeral of a friend who died a day earlier. But when they arrived at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Baccega was immediately grabbed by plainclothes Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
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