It was supposed to be a regular Saturday. Marcelo Gomes Da Silva, 18, was driving his dad’s car to volleyball practice in Milford, Massachusetts. Instead, four unmarked vehicles pulled him over—and within minutes, ICE had him in shackles.
According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Marcelo wasn’t even the target. They were looking for his father. But when they realized Marcelo’s student visa had lapsed, they detained him anyway.
Now, the Milford High School community is reeling. Students, teachers, and residents have flooded the streets with signs reading “Free Marcelo.” His girlfriend, still in her red graduation gown, led a post-commencement march to town hall. Hundreds followed.
Marcelo Gomes Da Silva Is A Student, Not a Threat
Marcelo isn’t a stranger to this town—he’s been a part of Milford Public Schools since he was six. He’s a musician, an athlete, a student who friends describe as having an “infectious smile.” He has no criminal history, and was in the process of preparing an asylum application, according to his lawyer.
Still, ICE officials insist the arrest was valid.
“We’re not going to walk away from anybody,” said acting ICE director Todd Lyons. “We enforce all immigration laws.”
That includes arresting a teenager on his way to school-sponsored sports practice in front of his peers. That includes placing chains on his wrists and ankles, according to his girlfriend, Julianys Rentas Figueroa.
@sarahesoares An 18 year old boy who attends Milford High School in Massachusetts was pulled over and taken by ICE on his way to volleyball practice. This has to stop. Free Marcelo. #notoice #50501 #fightback #massachusetts #fypシ #fyp #freemarcelo ♬ original sound – sarah soares1509
Community Outrage
The arrest has sparked a local uprising. Milford’s volleyball coach, Andrew Mainini, said he was stunned when Marcelo’s teammate texted him from the car during the arrest.
“It’s one thing to see things happening in the world,” Mainini said. “It’s another to have them directly impact the people you work with and care for on a daily basis.”
Governor Maura Healey called the detention “disturbing and outrageous,” adding that these arrests are “making us all less safe.” Milford’s police chief said Marcelo wasn’t known to local law enforcement—a fact he framed as a testament to his good standing.
Meanwhile, Marcelo missed playing the drums at his girlfriend’s graduation. His absence wasn’t just felt—it fueled the protest that followed. Students in caps and gowns marched a mile, demanding ICE release him.
Marcelo Gomes Da Silva has lived in Milford since he was 5 years old. He’s a star student, athlete and plays in the high school band.
He should be in school with friends and teammates — not in a detention center.
I’m calling on ICE to do the right thing. Release Marcelo. pic.twitter.com/qIjaBsetvN
— Governor Maura Healey (@MassGovernor) June 3, 2025
“This Can’t Be Happening”
ICE says Marcelo is being held pending removal proceedings, but his attorney argues that he was unlawfully detained and is seeking his immediate release. A federal judge granted a 72-hour stay to prevent him from being moved out of Massachusetts while the case is reviewed.
His family and community are scrambling to keep him close—and keep him safe. His cousins reached out to immigrant advocacy organizations. His younger siblings are asking if they’ll ever see him again.
“I just pray that we can make a difference because this is so depressing,” one classmate told reporters through tears.
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A Bigger Picture
Marcelo’s case isn’t isolated. It’s part of a larger immigration enforcement wave in Massachusetts, which ICE says has led to nearly 1,500 arrests in recent weeks. Many of those arrested, like Marcelo, were not the initial targets.
Milford’s school superintendent put it plainly:
“They are members of the community, students in our classrooms, athletes that compete representing Milford… We will do everything in our power to support our students and families.”
What’s Next
Marcelo’s legal team is fighting to prevent his deportation, and advocacy groups are rallying for a broader review of ICE tactics in schools and community spaces.
For now, the message coming out of Milford is clear: this isn’t just about one student. It’s about the systems that make every immigrant teen a potential target. And a generation of students who are refusing to let their friends disappear quietly.
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