Community Support Surges

Despite a tough loss in Tuesday evening’s playoff game, the Milford Scarlet Hawks played with heavy hearts, dedicating thier performance to their detained teammate. the game took on a significance far beyond the scoreboard.

That game represented the spirit of Marcelo; he was still there.
Aloiye Okhipo, Milford Senior

Okhipo further emphasized the team’s commitment, stating, We made you proud. We did our best. We showed up for him, you know, and I think he’d be glad people know what’s happening and people want the best for him.

The Milford High School gymnasium was filled to capacity, with spectators donning ‘Free Marcelo’ shirts, a visual testament to the widespread support for Gomes da Silva’s release.

Even in defeat, the sense of unity prevailed. Taunton High School, Milford’s opponent, demonstrated solidarity by wearing T-shirts supporting Gomes da Silva during pre-game warmups.

It was electric in there. it was like every single chance we got, people were screaming, people were clapping, it was probably one of the best games I’ve seen at Milford High.
Ben Pezza, Milford Senior

Details of the Detention

Gomes da Silva is currently being held at an ICE facility in Burlington, MA. According to a family spokesperson, conditions at the facility are concerning.

Now they’re on day four of that, and he isn’t eating. Part of that is his anxiety; he can’t. But he’s in terrible conditions. He’s sleeping on the floor. I mean, imagine what that must feel like if you can close your eyes for a second and think about what must be going through that kid’s mind.
Coleen Greco,Parent of a Volleyball Teammate

ICE officials stated in a Monday news conference that the initial target of the traffic stop was Gomes da Silva’s father,but the high school student was arrested because he was undocumented.

We were looking for the father.They made a traffic stop on that vehicle, which was the father’s vehicle. He was driving that vehicle. But like any local law enforcement officer, if you encounter someone who has a warrant or, like I said, is here illegally, we will take action on that.
Todd Lyons, Acting ICE Director

Legal Battle and Community Response

Gomes da Silva’s attorney, Robin Nice, is scheduled to argue for his release on bond at an immigration court hearing in Chelmsford on Thursday. The judge will determine whether he can be released while deportation proceedings are underway.

Nice emphasized Gomes da Silva’s lack of criminal history and strong community ties in a statement:

Marcelo has no criminal history. His strong community ties, consistent academic achievement, and involvement in positive extracurricular and faith-based activities underscore the fact that he poses no danger to the community and is not a flight risk. We are hopeful the court will recognize this, and grant his release on bond so Marcelo can return to his family and community.The actions by ICE do not make the community safer, they just sow fear among fear among immigrants and their loved ones.
Robin Nice, Attorney for Gomes da Silva

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed ‘Operation Patriot’ during a Tuesday press conference, noting that it resulted in the arrest of 1,461 individuals.

More than half of the nearly 1,500 illegals arrested had important criminal convictions or charges pending against them. I don’t think anybody in this room wants these types of heinous criminals in your communities.
Karoline leavitt, White House Press Secretary

ICE has not identified those arrested, but stated they include drug traffickers, sex offenders, murderers, and foreign fugitives. nice clarified that Gomes da Silva has no criminal history and arrived in the United States from Brazil on a student visa at the age of 7.

Community Action and Official Statements

The Milford volleyball team spent Monday evening creating T-shirts and signs to advocate for Gomes da Silva’s release, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming community support.

massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has demanded answers regarding the arrest.

I’m disturbed and outraged by reports that a Milford High school student was arrested by ICE on his way to volleyball practice (Saturday). Yet again, local officials and law enforcement have been left in the dark with no heads up and no answers to their questions. I’m demanding that ICE provide immediate information about why he was arrested,where he is and how his due process is being protected.
Maura Healey, Massachusetts Governor

hundreds of Milford High School students staged a walkout on Monday, lining West Fountain Street with signs reading “Free Marcelo” and “I support Marcelo.”