In a recent incident that has shaken the community, a 20-year-old student from Venezuela, known only as Dylan, was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after appearing at a mandatory immigration court hearing in New York City. Dylan, who had been attending Ellis Prep Academy in the Bronx, was reportedly taken into custody outside 26 Federal Plaza last Wednesday, following the dismissal of his asylum case by a judge, as reported by ABC7NY.
Dylan’s mother, Raiza, expressed her dismay to the New York Post, saying, “It seems like a dirty game on their part. When someone appears in front of a judge, it’s because they don’t have any criminal record, they want to do the right thing.” She continued, “The only thing he wants is to study.” Dylan, who graduated from high school in Venezuela had been living with his mother and two younger siblings in the U.S., and turned himself in at the US border in April 2024, seeking asylum.
The situation attracted attention from the city's education officials, with Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos issuing a statement emphasizing that New York City schools are a safe place for all students. "We will continue to speak out and advocate for the safety, dignity, and rights of all of our students," Aviles-Ramos said, according to ABC7NY. New York Attorney General Letitia James also weighed in, calling the arrest "despicable."
The school community and advocates have voiced their support for Dylan's plight, with Aviles-Ramos reassuring families of the school system's commitment to supporting "every child and family — regardless of immigration status," in a statement obtained by New York Post. The mayor's office, through a representative, indicated that city law enforcement does not engage in civil immigration enforcement, reinforcing that "the chancellor’s statement speaks for our entire administration."
While ICE has not immediately commented on the specifics of the case, the action to detain Dylan marks a continuation of a stricter immigration enforcement policy that has especially impacted individuals like him who sought refuge under the temporary protected status program. Despite opposition and legal challenges, the repeal of this program remains in effect, leaving many to face an uncertain future in regards to their residency status in the United States.
