NYC Schools Chancellor and Officials Protest ICE Detention of Bronx Student Dylan
In a poignant demonstration of solidarity, Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, alongside immigration advocates, gathered on the steps of Tweed Courthouse in Manhattan on Thursday to demand the federal release of Dylan, a 20-year-old asylum seeker from Venezuela. Dylan is currently detained after being arrested during a routine immigration courthouse appearance related to the dismissal of his case. He is a student at ELLIS Preparatory Academy, and his last name has been withheld at the request of his family.
Following his arrest, Dylan was moved between various detention centers in Pennsylvania, Texas, Louisiana, and New Jersey, which has hindered his ability to connect with his legal counsel and seek necessary medical care. Notably, he had not been accused of any criminal behavior and had previously entered the United States legally under an asylum process initiated during the Biden administration, which was later revoked by the Trump administration.
The rally attracted hundreds of supporters, amplifying the sentiment expressed by Aviles-Ramos, who voiced deep concern for Dylan and his family. This public outcry marks one of the strongest positions taken by the Adams administration on immigration policy, especially following the mayor’s earlier attempts to distance himself from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, emphasizing that Dylan’s detention did not occur within the confines of a public school. Local elected officials urged Mayor Adams to vocally advocate for Dylan’s release, highlighting the need for active leadership on immigration matters.
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams implored the mayor to display similar vocality on immigration issues as seen during the Biden administration. In response, a spokesman for Adams stated that the chancellor’s comments represent the administration’s stance.
The rally received substantial support from various stakeholders, including local politicians, teachers, and public school parents, all of whom underscored Dylan’s character as a diligent student and a responsible older brother to his younger siblings. Participants mobilized under slogans demanding the federal government cease actions against students, echoing concerns voiced by elected representatives regarding the wider implications of such detentions.
Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez articulated the community’s fears, emphasizing that Dylan’s case exemplifies the breakdown of trust within immigrant communities, as it contradicts the notion that courthouses are safe spaces. Similarly, Councilwoman Rita Joseph emphasized that Dylan’s detention was unjustified, pointing out he had complied with legal procedures.
In a broader context, Dylan’s case has reignited discussions surrounding the impact of federal immigration policies on education. Following previous protests, including a significant student walkout at local high schools, educators voiced rising anxiety among immigrant families, reflecting a climate of fear that extends beyond individual cases.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s recent statements regarding the enforcement of expedited removal proceedings have added to this unease. Meanwhile, New York Governor Kathy Hochul contextualized the issue within a framework prioritizing family integrity, advocating for the protection of students and families engaged in lawful processes.
Dylan’s mother, Raiza, who watched the rally remotely for her safety, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community. The rally underscores the pressing need for a comprehensive reassessment of immigration policies, particularly those directly affecting young individuals striving for education and stability in their new country.
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