Bronx high school student Dylan seeks court order for release from ICE detention.

Dylan, a 20-year-old public school student from the Bronx, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging his detention by federal immigration authorities in Pennsylvania. The lawsuit claims that his arrest and ongoing detention violate his constitutional rights and calls for his immediate release. This legal action highlights significant concerns regarding the treatment and rights of undocumented migrants.

The habeas corpus petition, submitted to a federal court in western Pennsylvania, asserts that Dylan’s prolonged detention poses serious risks to his health and education, particularly as he is striving to secure a green card. His family has requested that his last name remain undisclosed due to privacy concerns.

Dylan, who fled Venezuela to escape persecution, is currently being held at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. Notably, he entered the United States legally under humanitarian parole during President Biden’s administration and has no criminal record. Following a routine court appearance in Manhattan, where he and his mother appeared unrepresented, federal officials sought to dismiss his case; however, his newly appointed attorneys quickly moved to contest this dismissal.

The events surrounding his arrest escalated when plainclothes immigration officers detained him while reportedly threatening his mother against recording the incident. His legal team suggests that Dylan’s case is part of a broader strategy by immigration authorities to shift individuals from standard legal proceedings into expedited removal processes, which offer significantly diminished legal protections. This practice, they argue, constitutes a targeted approach that undermines due process rights for individuals like Dylan.

The contrast between standard removal proceedings, overseen by immigration judges, and expedited removal processes, managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), underscores the potential dangers faced by detainees. Under expedited removal, individuals cannot appeal decisions as readily.

DHS officials recently criticized a Biden-era asylum protocol, stating that it permitted immigrants to enter the United States with a notice to appear before a judge, implying that these outcomes could have begun under expedited removal conditions. They maintained that individuals lacking valid claims would be subjected to immediate deportation.

Dylan’s legal team contends that he does not meet the criteria for expedited removal, particularly due to his legal status upon entry. The petition emphasizes the lack of justification for his targeted arrest, highlighting the serious consequences associated with his ongoing detention, including potential degradation of his health condition.

Dylan, who has a chronic illness, is reportedly undergoing medical evaluations to determine the nature of his condition, which may include life-threatening diagnoses. His detention poses additional barriers to accessing necessary medical care and could jeopardize his opportunity to pursue Special Immigrant Juvenile status, a legal pathway toward securing a green card. As he approaches his 21st birthday, the urgency of his situation intensifies, emphasizing the need for timely resolution.

Amidst public outcry and protests led by politicians and advocacy groups against his detention, New York’s city school officials have condemned the actions taken by ICE. Mayor Eric Adams, following pressures to respond, expressed regret over the incident and emphasized the essential need for trust between immigrant communities and public institutions.

Dylan’s ongoing struggle highlights the complexities and challenges within the U.S. immigration system, particularly for young individuals navigating legal processes amidst the pressures of detention. As his case continues to unfold, advocates are calling for reforms that prioritize humane treatment and uphold the rights of immigrants.

The circumstances surrounding Dylan’s detention raise important questions about the intersections of immigration law, health care access, and educational rights, pressing society to confront the implications of current policies for individuals seeking refuge and stability.