Authorities Confirm That Missing McAuley Student Was Not Picked Up By ICE

CHICAGO — Mother McAuley senior Estefania Herrera, 18, disappeared Saturday. While Chicago police have not shared the exact time or location of where the last sighting of Herrera occurred, family members posted on Facebook that the teen was last seen early Saturday morning near Archer Avenue and Pulaski Road.

A member of the swim team, family members said Herrera was taking CTA southbound to McAuley to catch the team bus for a swim meet. According to the high school’s website, the swim team was scheduled for a 9 a.m. meet at Tinley Park High School.

Parents rapidly shared information about Herrera Sunday when Chicago police released an alert for the missing teen. Since then, many in the community have expressed concerns on neighborhood social media if the teen was picked up by ICE.

A CPD Area One detective from the Special Victims Unit told Patch that they believe Herrera to be with someone, and was not picked up by ICE.

Mother McAuley was held a prayer service for the teen’s safe return Tuesday for students, staff and faculty.

In a statement earlier this week, school officials said they were in close contact with authorities.

“The Mother McAuley community is praying for the safe return of senior Estefania Herrera. We ask the extended community to join us in keeping Estefania and her family in their thoughts and prayers. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Chicago Police Department’s Area One Special Victims Unit at 312-747-8380.”

Herrera was wearing a black-and-white, checkered fleece top and blue jeans. She was also carrying a red backpack and a blue backpack. She is described by police as 5-feet-4-inches tall, 200 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair, and a light brown complexion.

A community prayer vigil will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at Nativity of Our Lord, 653 W. 37th St., Chicago, for those who wish to join in prayer for Estefania and her loved ones.

Anyone with information about Estefania Herrera’s whereabouts is asked to call CPD Area One Special Victims Unit detectives at 312-747-8380, or 911.