Marcelo Gomes, an 18 year old junior at Milford High School was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Saturday morning.
Gomes and other teammates were just on their way to volleyball practice when four undercover ICE agents arrested him.
ICE Director Todd Lyons claimed that Gomes was not the intended target, that it was actually his father, Joao Paulo Gomes-Pereira.
Department of Homeland Security Assistant, Secretary Tricia McLaughlin claimed that Gomes-Pereira was an “illegal alien (who) has a habit of reckless driving at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour through residential areas.”
Marcelo Gomes has lived in the United States since he was only five years old, immigrating from Brazil.
With recent orders from the Trump Administration, ICE has been cracking down on detaining illegal immigrants.
On Sunday, MHS held its commencemet ceremony where Gomes was going to play the drums in the band. His presence was truly missed.
At the beginning of the graduation, Principal Joshua Otlin spoke not only of the momentous occasion of the graduates, but he also didn’t shy away from speaking of the thought that was on everyone’s mind.
Otlin said, “There is fear and anxiety where there should be hope and confidence. There is wrenching despair and righteous anger, where there should be gratitude and joy.”
As a response to the unfair treatment of a fellow classmate, members from Milford marched to Town Hall protesting the release of a beloved student. Hundreds of people chanted “Free Marcelo” holding up signs and posters.
This was brought up to different news organizations such as the Associated Press, WCVB 5, etc. All thanks to the hard work of the students and community members lobbying for any information regarding Gomes.
The protest lasted hours as many cars drove by honking their horns in support of the cause. Yago Sampaio, one of Gomes’ teammates and someone who was in the car, spoke at the rally.
According to NBC News Julianys Rentas Figueroa, Gomes’ girlfriend spoke to him after he was detained Saturday afternoon. He told her that the immigration officials “put chains around his ankles, on his wrists.”
Rentas Figueroa said that he was transferred to two different detention centers over this past weekend. She has not spoken to him since.
On Monday afternoon, the students planned a walk-out during the day. Where they would leave the school and start protesting right on the lawn. Multiple news organizations gathered to film and get statements from kids.
Graduated seniors and other community members stood on the other side supporting the students in their rally. Rentas Figueroa, Kaue Santos, and the MHS Volleyball team all spoke to the press expressing their deep sorrow for what is happening.
Frequent detainments from ICE are occurring not only just in our town, but all over the state and ultimately all over the country. These occurrences are happening all due to the Trump Administration’s desire to continue to dehumanize people who just want a better life for themselves and for their families.
After a judge’s order on Sunday afternoon, Gomes could not be moved outside of Massachusetts for at least 72 hours.
According to NBC10 Boston, Gomes’ lawyer said that he was scheduled for a preliminary hearing at the Chelmsford Immigration Court at 1 pm on Thursday. Where his lawyer will be asking for the release of Gomes from ICE custody on bond.
On Tuesday night the boy’s volleyball team is set to verse Taunton. In order to show support for their teammate, fans and anyone attending are wearing “FREE MARCELO” shirts. As well as pins passed out during the school day.
Students will continue to fight for the release of Gomes as it isn’t ethically right to put someone in that type of condition. Gomes is a part of the Milford community and they will pursue the struggle of getting him released by any means necessary.
As said by Rentas Figueroa while choking back tears in an interview with ABC News, “He’s a member of his community and he’s never done anything wrong.”
