Ecuadorian high school student released from Texas ICE detention reunites with family in New York City.
An Ecuadorian high school student from Queens, New York, recently reunited with his family after being released from federal immigration custody. Derlis Snaider Chusin Toaquiza, a 19-year-old junior at Grover Cleveland High School, arrived at the Port Authority Bus Terminal and was immediately embraced by his mother in a poignant and emotional reunion. His father, holding a sign that read “Welcome Home Derlis,” and his younger sister, who captured the moment on video, joined in the heartfelt welcome.
Derlis’s detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began on June 4, when he was arrested after a scheduled asylum hearing at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan. While a Department of Homeland Security attorney sought to dismiss his application for asylum, an immigration judge ruled in Derlis’s favor, allowing the case to proceed. Nonetheless, he was taken into custody following the hearing, igniting a legal battle that lasted nearly six weeks.
The decision to release Derlis on bail came from a Texas immigration judge after he contested his detention in federal court, supported by an amicus brief filed by New York City’s Law Department. His release was facilitated through the Envision Freedom Fund, which provided a ,000 bond.
Derlis’s legal representation included multiple attorneys from the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG), who emphasized the challenges faced during the detainment process. It required considerable resources and collaboration to demonstrate that he posed no danger or flight risk. The attorneys criticized the current government policies that complicate the asylum process for individuals seeking protection in the United States.
In addition to his emotional homecoming, court documents highlight the difficult conditions Derlis faced during his detention. He reported being confined to a small holding area with over 60 other detainees, lacking basic privacy and sufficient meals. After spending a few days at 26 Federal Plaza, he was transferred to a facility in Livingston, Texas, where his health deteriorated, exacerbated by inadequate nutrition.
Derlis, who sought asylum to escape alleged discrimination in Ecuador as a member of the Indigenous Panzaleo community, has no criminal background. He demonstrated resilience by maintaining his academic performance and successfully joining his school’s soccer team, achieving accolades such as “Most Improved” from his teachers.
The legal victories and community support that led to his release highlight broader discussions regarding immigration enforcement and the challenges faced by undocumented individuals in the pursuit of asylum. Derlis’s case became symptomatic of the complexities involved in immigration policy, particularly affecting younger individuals and students.
As Derlis looks to the future, embracing opportunities to contribute to his community, he also brings a personal story that resonates beyond the local level, emphasizing the need for empathetic policies and a comprehensive understanding of the human stories involved in immigration matters.
Community members and educators, including his English teacher Michelle Koenig, assert his kindness and hardworking nature, further solidifying the strong support network that has rallied around him during this arduous journey. Derlis has already expressed aspirations toward participating in extracurricular activities, such as joining the swim team, showcasing his hopes for a brighter future after an experience that could have irrevocably altered his life trajectory.
This incident is a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by those navigating the complexities of immigration in the United States, particularly among youth who are seeking safety and opportunity. It also underscores the importance of legal support and advocacy in the fight for justice and humane treatment.
