City leaders in New York City are calling for the release of a public school student who is currently in custody of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The student, identified as Mouctar, is a 20-year-old immigrant from Guinea and has been detained at a Pennsylvania correctional facility.
This incident has raised concerns among city officials and advocates, especially after Mouctar was taken into custody following a routine immigration court appearance last week at 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan.
Notable city leaders, including City Comptroller Brad Lander, who has been vocal in his opposition to federal immigration policies, are expected to participate in a rally on Thursday to show support for Mouctar.
Mouctar is a student at Brooklyn Frontiers High School, a transfer school designed for students who are over-age and under-credited, according to the school’s website.
His detention marks a troubling trend, with at least two other New York City public school students having faced similar fates this year.
Derlis, another detained student, was released in July after a month in custody, while another student, Dylan, has been held since May.
Murad Awawdeh, president and CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition, expressed that the situation sends a negative message to those striving to navigate the immigration system lawfully.
“This is sending a really horrible message to everyone who’s trying to do things the right way,” Awawdeh stated.
According to statements from the Department of Homeland Security, Mouctar Diallo was apprehended during a caravan of immigrants crossing the southern border and was eventually released into the United States by the current administration.
ICE detained him on August 4, 2025, and he remains in custody pending removal proceedings.
In light of these events, city officials are attempting to reassure immigrant families that their children’s safety within schools remains a priority.
Melissa Aviles-Ramos, the city’s Schools Chancellor, emphasized her department’s commitment to support Mouctar’s family through legal aid and necessary services.
The New York City education department has been actively trying to calm fears among immigrant parents and students, particularly with the first day of school approaching.
During a recent town hall in Queens, immigrant students spoke about their anxieties regarding deportation policies, with one student revealing that fear has caused them to miss several days of school.
“I understand the value of school, but worrying about homework is difficult when you’re afraid of losing your family,” the student said.
As New York is designated a sanctuary city, ICE agents are restricted from entering public school property without a proper court order or warrant.
Manuel Castro, from the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, assured the community that the city is prepared to support immigrant families as they navigate the new school year.
He noted that the city has invested over $120 million in legal services aimed at providing immigrants with essential legal consultations and guidance.
The Department of Education is also training staff and nonprofit organizations to ensure compliance with sanctuary city laws, ensuring consistent information and support for affected families.
“I want everybody to know how to protect families, how to get the right information out, and that it’s consistent across the board,” said Jess Dannhauser, commissioner of the City Administration for Children’s Services.
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