Additional Coverage:
Milford High School Erupts in Protest After Student Detained in ICE Operation
Milford, MA – Tensions are high in Milford following the weekend detainment of a local high school student by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Marcelo Gomes da Silva, 18, was arrested Saturday while on his way to volleyball practice, sparking outrage and a student walkout at Milford High.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey immediately condemned the arrest and demanded answers from the Trump administration, citing concerns about due process and the creation of fear within communities.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that da Silva’s arrest occurred during an operation targeting his father, Joao Paulo Gomes Pereira, whom they identified as an undocumented immigrant with a record of reckless driving. DHS acknowledged that while the younger Gomes da Silva was not the intended target, his undocumented status led to his detainment. He currently remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
The incident unfolded during a recent statewide immigration crackdown, dubbed “Operation Patriot,” which resulted in the detention of nearly 1,500 undocumented migrants. During a press conference announcing the operation’s results, U.S.
Attorney Leah Foley for Massachusetts pointed to the state’s alleged sanctuary policies as a contributing factor to the need for such operations. Governor Healey has refuted the claim that Massachusetts is a sanctuary state.
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons defended the arrest, emphasizing Gomes da Silva’s undocumented status. He also noted that Gomes Pereira, the original target of the operation, remains at large.
Gomes da Silva’s attorney, Miriam Conrad, filed a writ of habeas corpus, asserting that her client entered the U.S. on a student visa in 2021, which has since lapsed. She stated that he has no criminal record and is eligible for and intends to apply for asylum. The filing alleges that his detainment is a violation of his constitutional rights.
Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.) criticized the Trump administration, characterizing the detainment as an act of cruelty and an attempt to instill fear. He expressed solidarity with the Milford community, vowing to fight against the administration’s actions. The case continues to draw attention to the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policy and enforcement.