ICE Detains Massachusetts Teen Triggering Community Protests

Federal immigration officials arrested 18-year-old Marcelo Gomes Da Silva, a high school student in Milford, Massachusetts, on his way to volleyball practice while seeking his father, who remains at large. Although Gomes entered the U.S. on a student visa and plans to apply for asylum, ICE acting director Todd Lyons defended the arrest, stating the agency enforces all immigration laws and will take action when encountering undocumented individuals. The detention sparked widespread outrage in Milford, with hundreds rallying to demand Gomes's release, including students, educators, and local officials who criticized ICE's tactics and lack of communication with local authorities. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey condemned the arrest, highlighting the community's distress and calling for transparency about the student's status and due process protections. Milford Public Schools emphasized their support for all students regardless of immigration status and distanced themselves from immigration enforcement activities. A federal judge issued an emergency order preventing Gomes's transfer out of Massachusetts for at least 72 hours in response to a lawsuit claiming unlawful detention.