A previously deported Guatemalan illegal immigrant spent eight hours perched in a tree to evade ICE agents before finally surrendering in a bizarre standoff that captivated a San Antonio neighborhood. The eight-hour standoff began after a traffic stop when Ical fled using a ladder and roof to reach his perch. Local residents watched the unusual scene unfold in their west side San Antonio neighborhood.
Traffic Stop Leads to Desperate Escape Attempt
On April 29, federal agents and state troopers attempted to apprehend 29-year-old Raul Ical during a routine traffic stop on San Antonio’s west side. Ical, a passenger in the vehicle, was wanted on warrants related to illegal reentry into the United States. When officers attempted to take him into custody, Ical fled the scene, setting off an unusual pursuit through a residential neighborhood near Ceralvo and South Navidad streets.
In a desperate attempt to evade capture, Ical employed a creative escape route. He quickly located a ladder, climbed onto the roof of a nearby structure, and then made his way into a tall tree where he remained hidden from authorities. ICE agents who initially lost sight of the fugitive were surprised when they finally spotted him perched among the branches, leading to a standoff that would last approximately eight hours as agents worked to convince Ical to come down.
“ICE will find you, arrest you and deport you.” He’s up a tree 🌴 pic.twitter.com/P2xHZDXfby
— Shannon 🇺🇸I stand with America (@thewriterme) April 30, 2025
Neighborhood Witnesses Unusual Standoff
The incident quickly became the talk of the neighborhood as local residents gathered to watch the unusual scene unfold. Many had never witnessed such an event in their community before. Federal agents maintained their positions around the tree throughout the day, patiently attempting to negotiate with Ical rather than risk injuries by forcing him down from his precarious position.
Mike Howell, who works at a nearby business, observed the entire situation and commented on Ical’s initial evasion tactics. “They walked around and didn’t see him and then looked up and went, ‘Oh!’ There he was in the tree,” Howell recalled. He also noted that Ical’s position likely became increasingly uncomfortable as the hours passed, potentially contributing to his eventual decision to surrender to authorities.
Raul thought he could outsmart the system by climbing a tree in San Antonio. Seven hours up there, calling who knows—maybe his agent at the CBP app. pic.twitter.com/32SxSa9sO5
— April Color (@ColorApril) April 30, 2025
Prior Deportation and Current Charges
ICE records revealed that Ical, originally from Guatemala, had previously been removed from the United States in 2013. His reentry into the country violated federal immigration law and resulted in the warrants that led to the attempted apprehension during the traffic stop. After his eventual surrender from the tree, Ical was taken into federal custody and now faces charges related to illegal reentry.
The case highlights ongoing challenges in immigration enforcement, particularly regarding individuals who reenter the country after deportation. Ical’s dramatic attempt to avoid capture by climbing a tree demonstrates the lengths some will go to evade authorities when facing potential deportation. After spending over eight hours in his arboreal hideout, Ical finally responded to the continued persuasion from officers on the ground.
“It was an interesting day. That’s all I can say,” remarked Howell after witnessing the conclusion of the standoff.