Milford, MA - Hundreds of students at Milford High School walked out of classes Monday morning to protest the arrest of their classmate, Marcelo Gomes da Silva, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Gomes da Silva, a 17-year-old junior originally from Brazil, was reportedly arrested on Saturday.
News of the arrest spread quickly through the school, prompting students to organize the demonstration. Many students carried signs with slogans such as "Free Marcelo" and "Education Not Deportation." They gathered outside the school entrance, chanting and calling for Gomes da Silva's immediate release.
According to a court filing from his attorney, Gomes da Silva is a Brazilian national. The reasons for his arrest have not been officially disclosed by ICE. The agency has a policy of not commenting on individual cases. The Milford Public School district has also declined to comment, citing student privacy regulations.
The walkout reflects growing tensions and concerns among students and community members regarding immigration enforcement policies. Protesters argue that Gomes da Silva is a valued member of the school community and should not be subjected to deportation. The demonstration is expected to continue throughout the day, with organizers planning to hold a rally later this afternoon.
Massachusetts Students Protest ICE Arrest of High Schooler
Students at Milford High School in Massachusetts staged a walkout Monday to protest the arrest of a classmate by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Marcelo Gomes da Silva, a Brazilian national and junior at the school, was arrested on Saturday. The arrest has sparked outrage among students and community members who are calling for his release and raising concerns about immigration enforcement actions. The protest highlights the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policies and their impact on local communities.
Source: Read the original article at ABC