Benjamin Marcelo Guerrero-Cruz, an 18-year-old, was apprehended by federal immigration officials while walking his family’s dog in Van Nuys on a recent morning. This unexpected incident has sparked outrage and concern within his community and among peers.
Guerrero-Cruz was on the brink of starting his senior year at Reseda Charter High School, scheduled to begin classes on Thursday. However, instead of returning to school, he is currently being held in custody by the Department of Homeland Security as he awaits deportation from the United States. According to immigration officials, Guerrero-Cruz, originally from Chile, overstayed his visa by over two years, neglecting the terms of the Visa Waiver Program that required him to leave the country by March 15, 2023.
In a statement to KTLA-TV, the department emphasized that Guerrero-Cruz’s status as an undocumented immigrant stemmed from his visa violation. The lack of response from officials following inquiries into his case has added to the community’s frustration.
Witnesses and reports indicate that on the morning of his arrest, immigration agents tied Guerrero-Cruz’s dog to a tree and unclipped its collar, allowing the pet to roam free on Sepulveda Boulevard. This distressing detail highlights the chaotic nature of his detention.
A GoFundMe page established to assist Guerrero-Cruz’s family and cover legal fees illustrates the young man’s integral role in his household. Described as a devoted son, caring brother, and valued community member, he has significant responsibilities at home, particularly helping to care for his five-month-old twin brothers and his six-year-old brother. His contributions as a good student with a kind heart have positively impacted those around him.
Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho voiced concerns regarding Guerrero-Cruz’s well-being in custody. During a news conference on Thursday, Carvalho spoke with Guerrero-Cruz’s mother, who described her son’s bleak living conditions in detention. According to her, he is confined in a small holding area alongside 40 men, most of whom are significantly older than him. She reported that he receives only one glass of water a day and that food is inadequate, making the situation even more dire.
Carvalho recounted his conversation with Guerrero-Cruz’s mother, who was visibly distressed as she conveyed her worries. Her emotional struggle was evident as she spoke of her child’s ordeal, bringing to light the trauma experienced by families facing immigration enforcement.
A friend of Guerrero-Cruz, identified only as Ronny C., shared the impact of his absence from the soccer team. Ronny emphasized Guerrero-Cruz’s dedication on the field, highlighting his reliability and character. “He was rock-solid—always showed up, worked hard, and could be counted on week after week,” Ronny stated. His contributions went beyond athletics, marking him as a consistent source of kindness and positivity for those around him.
This incident has heightened existing fears among parents and students in Los Angeles about potential immigration enforcement at schools. Sources familiar with Guerrero-Cruz’s case confirmed that he attended Reseda Charter High School during his junior year. Teachers are reportedly taking extra measures to ensure students feel safe despite these unsettling events.
Immigration enforcement in educational settings is not new; there have been past instances where officials targeted schools for operations. In April, agents attempted to enter two elementary schools to seek information about students but were denied access by school administrators. More recently, federal agents were involved in a controversial incident where they mistakenly detained a 15-year-old boy outside Arleta High School, believing him to be a suspected gang member.
Superintendent Carvalho has called for restrictions on immigration enforcement near schools, emphasizing its detrimental effect on students’ learning experiences. “When children witness peers, parents, or other individuals detained, the image is not easily erased,” he stated. The emotional toll these encounters can take on young minds raises significant concerns about their impact on educational environments.
In light of Benjamin Guerrero-Cruz’s situation, many community members are rallying for support, highlighting both the hardships faced by his family and the broader implications of immigration enforcement policies within educational contexts.
image source from：latimes
