Dylan, a 20-year-old public school student from the Bronx, is currently detained by federal authorities in Pennsylvania after a recent immigration hearing, raising serious concerns over his health.
Despite receiving a medical diagnosis over the weekend that his legal team believes should warrant his immediate release, Dylan’s situation remains precarious.
His lawyers from the New York Legal Assistance Group reported that after they learned about his health condition, they faced difficulties in reaching him, leaving them in the dark until a recent court proceedings brought the issue to light.
The basis for his detention is being challenged in a federal court case known as a “habeas corpus” petition, reflecting ongoing concerns about the legality of his situation.
On Monday afternoon, U.S. District Judge Stephanie Haines denied Dylan’s emergency motion for release. However, his legal team has been informed that they can refile their request once the court and the federal government review Dylan’s sealed medical records.
Despite the setback, a spokesperson for NYLAG expressed their determination to pursue justice for Dylan as quickly as possible.
“While we are disappointed with today’s decision by the judge, we remain unwavering in our determination to fight for justice, due process, and to bring Dylan home as soon as humanly possible,” said the spokesperson.
Dylan is facing serious health issues, having undergone medical tests for gastrointestinal problems that could be indicative of Crohn’s disease or even cancer at the time of his detainment. Concern grows among his advocates and family members that prolonged detention could lead to severe adverse effects on his health during this critical period.
“It would be profoundly unfair, and irreversible, if prolonging this unlawful detention causes further and possibly very serious harm to this young man’s health at an exceptionally delicate point in his medical history,” the filings read.
In a related matter, the city’s Law Department has filed a motion to present an amicus brief in support of Dylan. The brief highlights the potential negative consequences of how Dylan was arrested during a routine court hearing on May 21, which could intimidate others from seeking legal assistance in court.
The city’s filing emphasized the broader implications of Dylan’s case, stating, “The implications threaten to reach well beyond the immigration arena and reach the countless other matters affecting public welfare that require our residents to appear in court every day.”
Mayor Adams also lent his voice to the issue, stating that Dylan was navigating the legal pathways to obtain work authorization while utilizing community resources to avoid homelessness.
“But instead of being rewarded for following the law, he was punished for doing what we all asked him to do,” Adams expressed.
While Dylan’s case continues to unfold, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not issued a comment. However, the agency criticized a previous asylum process under the Biden administration that enabled individuals like Dylan to enter the U.S. legally.
DHS officials indicated that, following Trump’s policies, those lacking valid claims would face expedited removal.
Fortunately for Dylan, he has made progress in his immigration case by successfully passing DHS’s credible fear interview, which means he will not be deported immediately and can continue to seek his case in front of an immigration judge. This process was underway when he was detained unexpectedly.
As advocates and New York politicians rally in support of Dylan, his detention highlights ongoing debates surrounding immigration policy and the treatment of individuals seeking refuge in the United States.
image source from：https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/06/02/new-diagnosis-poses-serious-risk-to-nyc-public-school-student-detained-by-ice-lawyers/
