Alex Maganda, a graduate of Morehouse College and former standout kicker for the Maroon Tigers, is currently detained at the Bluebonnet Detention Facility in Anson, Texas, after a recent traffic violation.
Maganda’s case has garnered significant attention, especially within the HBCU community, as he navigates his immigration status amidst rising concerns over deportations.
Rich Freeman, head football coach during Maganda’s time at Morehouse, expressed his shock at the news, reflecting on Maganda as a vibrant and integral part of the team.
“He was a nice young man, vibrant, energetic, very mannerable,” Freeman shared in a conversation.
Maganda, who immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico at the age of five, developed his skills as a placekicker and quickly became a valuable member of the Morehouse football program, leading the team in scoring during his freshman year.
However, his success on the field was mirrored by his achievements in the classroom.
“He is one of those types that can fit into any room,” Freeman recalled, highlighting Maganda’s ability to connect with others in the locker room.
After graduating in 2018, Maganda transitioned to working as a teaching assistant at Morehouse, focusing on providing Spanish lessons to high school students.
In a subsequent move, he relocated to Dallas, where he reportedly pursued a career as a general contractor.
Things took a dramatic turn last week when Maganda was detained by Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) agents.
His attorney, Carrie Nguyen, explained that he had originally come to the U.S. under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which was established to protect young immigrants from deportation.
Unfortunately, Maganda’s DACA status expired and was not renewed, complicating his situation and leading to his detention.
Freeman lamented the abrupt change in fortunes for Maganda, stating, “Everybody is shocked.”
Alex Maganda’s journey is emblematic of many young immigrants who find their lives drastically affected by immigration policies.
Despite living in the U.S. for 25 years, Maganda now faces the possibility of deportation to a country he hardly knows.
Maszoliin Spencer, Maganda’s girlfriend, echoed the despair felt by those close to him, stating, “He doesn’t know anyone [in Mexico]. He’s from there, but he doesn’t know anything. This country shaped him.”
In light of his detention, fellow alumni and members of the HBCU community have rallied around Maganda with calls for support.
Lynae Vanee, an influencer and Spelman College graduate, used her social media platform to mobilize action, urging followers to advocate for Maganda’s release.
In her urgent Instagram plea, she asked the Spelhouse community to aid their former classmate, using the hashtag #FreeAlexMaganda.
The response from the community has been strong, with former teammates and supporters exploring various strategies to assist him in his current predicament.
Freeman noted, “We are in a mobilization phase right now.
Right now, there are some intense conversations.”
Activists have launched two petitions on Change.org, calling for Alex’s release on bond as his case unfolds.
The petitions direct their appeal to ICE, the El Paso Immigration Court, and the Department of Homeland Security, emphasizing that Maganda deserves the same opportunities and community support as his peers.
The petitions convey a strong message: “We don’t deport our classmates and community members over paperwork lapses.”
As the situation develops, recent reports revealed troubling news concerning ICE’s new directive related to bond hearings for detained migrants.
An internal memo indicated that ICE would longer allow bond hearings for individuals facing deportation, mandating that they remain detained throughout the legal process, which can extend for months or even years.
Freeman continues to advocate for Maganda, believing firmly in his former player’s potential and worth, stating, “The presence he brings, the character he brings and the intellect that he possesses, that’s the type of guy you want around.
That’s the type of guy that deserves an opportunity.”
As this story gains traction, the HBCU community remains committed to supporting Maganda in any way possible while keeping a close eye on the larger implications of his case regarding immigration policy and community responsibility.
Capital B Atlanta will continue to follow developments surrounding Alex Maganda’s situation and the collective efforts to advocate for his release.
image source from：atlanta
