New Haven Student Detained by ICE Sparks Outcry

Esdras R., an 18-year-old recent immigrant and rising junior at Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven, was detained by ICE on July 21 at his workplace and is being held in a Massachusetts detention center. City and school officials, including Mayor Justin Elicker and Superintendent Madeline Negrón, have condemned the detention and praised Esdras as a hardworking student. The city and school district are working with advocacy groups such as Unidad Latina en Acción (ULA) and Connecticut Students for a Dream (C4D) to investigate the case and provide legal support. Teachers and community members have organized rallies, written letters, and started fundraising efforts to support his legal defense. The detention has attracted attention from educators, unions, and immigrant rights groups, who are calling for Esdras' release and raising concerns about the effects of ICE enforcement on students and families. ICE has not yet responded to requests for comment.