Milford Community Rallies for Detained Student as ICE Seeks Relocation
MILFORD, MASS. — Local support is mounting for Marcelo Gomes, an 18-year-old Milford High School student detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over the weekend, as the government seeks to transfer him to a facility in Central Falls, Rhode Island. Gomes was apprehended while heading to volleyball practice, leaving his family heartbroken.
Gomes, whose student visa expired after a decade, has been held at ICE’s Burlington field office, which has limited facilities for long-term detention. His legal representation has filed a motion opposing the transfer, claiming it could complicate his scheduled immigration hearing on Thursday in Chelmsford. His lawyers warn that such a move could exacerbate Gomes’ health issues, stating that the transfer would be unwise given his current condition.
His family, deeply affected by his detention, has released a heartfelt video plea. “Please bring my son back. I miss hugging my son,” his mother expressed, highlighting the emotional void his absence has created at home. His father added, “It’s not a family without him.”
Supporters gathered at Milford High School on Tuesday, donning “Free Marcelo” t-shirts during a volleyball game dedicated to Gomes. Community members are advocating for his immediate release, citing reports that Gomes is struggling in ICE custody, sleeping on the floor and subsisting on crackers.
ICE reportedly detained Gomes while searching for his father, an undocumented immigrant with a history of reckless driving. As the situation unfolds, the community remains hopeful for a resolution and is closely monitoring developments in this critical case.
Stay tuned to 7NEWS for ongoing coverage of this evolving story.
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