Milford, Massachusetts has been shaken by the detention of 18-year-old Marcelo Gomes Da Silva, a beloved athlete and musician who was arrested by immigration authorities this weekend.
Gomes Da Silva was driving his father’s car on his way to volleyball practice when he was stopped by immigration officials, who were initially seeking his father, who is unlawfully present in the United States.
Todd Lyons, acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), confirmed at a news conference that Gomes Da Silva was also found to be unlawfully present in the country and was subsequently taken into custody.
Since moving to Milford from Brazil at the age of six, Gomes Da Silva has been a prominent figure in the local community, known for his outstanding academic achievements, sporting talent, and vibrant personality.
During a monthlong immigration enforcement operation in Massachusetts that has resulted in approximately 1,500 arrests, Gomes Da Silva was among those apprehended, although Lyons stated he was not the target of the investigation.
In light of these recent events, Kevin McIntyre, superintendent of Milford Public Schools, expressed deep distress over the situation, emphasizing that the school district does not participate in immigration enforcement and is committed to supporting all students and their families.
“Students like Marcelo are vital members of our community,” McIntyre said. “They are athletes, musicians, artists, friends, and neighbors. We will do everything possible to assist our community during these difficult circumstances.”
The circumstances surrounding Gomes Da Silva’s arrest have raised concerns among community members, especially given the emotional impact it has had on his peers.
Andrew Mainini, the volleyball coach, recounted the moment when four immigration vehicles pulled over the car with Gomes Da Silva inside. He described the situation as surreal, saying, “It’s one thing to see things happening in the world. It’s another to have them directly impact the people you work with and care for on a daily basis.”
The emotional toll was particularly felt at Milford High School, where Gomes Da Silva had planned to play the drums for his girlfriend’s graduation ceremony. His absence was deeply felt by his bandmates and friends during the graduation ceremony, leading to a post-ceremony protest calling for his release.
As hundreds of students and community members marched to Milford Town Hall, they held signs and shouted “Free Marcelo,” underscoring the communal outcry against his detention.
Gomes Da Silva’s girlfriend, Julianys Rentas Figueroa, said she managed to speak with him shortly after his detention and described a harrowing image of his condition. “He told me they put chains around his ankles, on his wrists,” she shared, visibly upset. “I haven’t spoken to him since then. I don’t know how he’s doing.”
Rentas Figueroa questioned why Gomes Da Silva was targeted, stating he had lived in Milford all his life and was an integral part of the community.
As the situation unfolded over the weekend, Gomes Da Silva was transferred between different holding facilities, prompting action from immigration advocacy groups like the Metrowest Worker Center,
Diego Low, the center’s director, confirmed that they were working to support Gomes Da Silva’s family and were seeking legal assistance to prevent him from being transferred to a detention center in another state.
Ana Julia Araujo, Gomes Da Silva’s cousin, revealed that his younger siblings were anxiously questioning whether they would ever see him again, highlighting the personal toll this situation is taking on his family.
In a statement addressing the incident, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey expressed her outrage and concern over Gomes Da Silva’s detention. She argued that such arrests contribute to a climate of fear and insecurity across the community, stating, “These arrests are making us all less safe.”
Milford police distanced themselves from the incident, asserting that they were not involved and had not been notified by ICE about the operation.
Chief Robert Tusino emphasized that his department does not recognize Gomes Da Silva, indicating that individuals who are part of the community are not typically troublemakers.
As the protest continued, one of Gomes Da Silva’s friends voiced their discontent over the situation, saying, “I am disgusted that I have to deal with this on graduation and see one of my greatest friends be taken away for no reason.”
This latest incident has sparked a wave of solidarity from the community in Milford, as residents rally to support Gomes Da Silva and advocate for his release.
image source from：https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/ice-arrest-high-school-milford-massachusetts-immigration-rcna210324
