High school students in Meriden, Connecticut, protest the detention of a classmate by ICE.
High school students in Meriden, Connecticut, are preparing to stage a rally in support of a fellow classmate who was recently detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) just days prior to their graduation ceremony. The student’s father was also taken into custody during this incident, which has sparked considerable outrage among students, educators, and local officials alike.
The detention occurred last week following a routine ICE check-in, leaving many in the community alarmed that the teenager, identified only as Kevin for privacy, would be unable to join his peers on stage for the graduation ceremony scheduled for Tuesday evening. As the community focuses on achieving a celebratory graduation, Kevin remains confined in a detention center in Texas, further igniting calls for support and action.
Graduation is regarded as a pivotal milestone in a student’s life, a sentiment echoed by classmates like Maloney High School senior Khamren Rodriguez and others. They believe that all students should be present to partake in this significant event. Fellow graduate Rowan Fisher articulated this shared sentiment, noting the hard work that Kevin has put into reaching this important achievement.
In a move to express solidarity, students intend to organize a peaceful protest during the graduation ceremony set to begin at 6 p.m. Meriden Superintendent of Schools Mark Benigni assured the community that Kevin would still be eligible to receive his diploma. He emphasized that any student who meets the graduation requirements mandated by the Meriden Public Schools will be awarded their diploma.
Local officials, including Meriden Mayor Scarpati and Council Majority Leader Sonya Jelks, voiced their commitment to resolving the situation. They highlighted their community’s anger and concern and noted that counseling services would be available for both students and families affected by the incident.
The sentiments surrounding this situation have also drawn attention from notable figures, including former U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, who expressed his frustration regarding the current immigration policies. U.S. Senator Chris Murphy criticized these policies, claiming they are not efficient in handling the complexities of immigration, and emphasized that more humane approaches are needed.
The community’s response to this troubling event underscores a broader dialogue regarding immigration enforcement and its impact on families and students across the nation. As students rally for their classmate, the larger issues of policy and personal rights come to the forefront, prompting reflection and discussion within the Meriden community and beyond.
