Marcelo Gomes Arrested by ICE Day Before Graduation

An 18-year-old high school student from Massachusetts, Marcelo Gomes-DaSilva, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) just a day before his scheduled performance at Milford High School’s graduation ceremony.

According to his coach, Andrew Mainini, Gomes-DaSilva was headed to volleyball practice with teammates on Saturday morning when ICE officials stopped their car and arrested him. While the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) later clarified it “never intended to apprehend” the teen, they stated he “was found to be in the United States illegally and subject to removal proceedings, so officers made the arrest.”

The incident has sparked local and national outrage. Governor Maura Healey expressed her concern, stating she was “disturbed and outraged” and criticized the lack of communication from ICE, adding, “Yet again, local officials and law enforcement have been left in the dark with no heads up and no answers to their questions.”

ICE explained that the operation was initially targeting another individual, Joao Paulo Gomes-Pereira, identified as a “known public safety threat” with a record of reckless driving. The agency said it mistakenly encountered Gomes-DaSilva, described as the “son of the intended target” and an “illegally present, 18-year-old Brazilian alien.”

Attorney Miriam Conrad argued the arrest was unnecessary and that Gomes-DaSilva “poses no danger to the community or risk of flight.” His girlfriend, Julianys Rentas, shared that he is being detained in a cell with 30 other men, chained at the ankles and wrists.

Senator Ed Markey condemned the arrest, saying, “Marcelo should have been playing the drums at Milford High’s graduation on Sunday, not trapped in a detention center.” He added, “This isn’t about public safety. This is about cruelty and power and fear engendered by the Trump administration.”

Governor Healey further stated, “My heart goes out to the Milford community on what was supposed to be a celebratory graduation day. The Trump Administration continues to create fear in our communities, and it’s making us all less safe.”

Senator Markey echoed similar sentiments: “To the Milford community, I am with you as we tell the Trump administration to keep its hands off your kids, and I am with you in calling on ICE to free Marcelo.”

Superintendent Kevin McIntyre also voiced support for immigrant families, stating: “We are all distraught by this news. They are members of the community, students in our classrooms… We will do everything in our power to support our students and families during these difficult times.”

Gomes-DaSilva remains in ICE custody as removal proceedings continue.