Massachusetts Town Rallies to Support Detained High School Student

An 18-year-old Massachusetts high school student was detained by federal immigration agents this weekend, sparking a major community response. Marcelo Gomez, a Milford resident and student, was arrested by ICE agents on Saturday while reportedly on his way to volleyball practice. His detainment has prompted widespread concern and a rally drawing more than 500 people outside Milford Town Hall demanding his release.

According to friends and family, Gomez immigrated to Milford when he was five years old. They described him as an honors student and musician in the high school band, emphasizing that he posed no threat to law and order. “He’s an amazing person, and he deserves the world,” said one of Gomez’s classmates.

Iago Sampaio, a friend who was in the car with Gomez during the arrest, said he narrowly avoided detainment himself because of his age. “If I was a year older, I would have been in the back of the car with my friend,” he explained.

Governor Maura Healey called the arrest “disturbing,” demanding immediate information from ICE about why Gomez was detained, where he is being held, and how his due process is being protected. “I don’t see how a kid en route to volleyball practice who’s an honors student and a musician in the high school band is a threat to law and order,” Healey said.

Gomez was scheduled to perform with the Milford High School band at graduation on Sunday. Many students who marched in the graduation ceremony also attended the rally in his support.

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