Court Orders 16-Year-Old with Status Released After ICE Unlawfully Arrested Him at Immigration Check-in

WHITE PLAINS, NY – Following an emergency habeas petition from the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) and The Door’s Legal Services Center, a federal judge ordered the release of Joel — a 16-year-old Bronx high schooler who U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents illegally arrested, detained, and tried to deport after appearing for a mandatory, routine ICE check-in on October 23. This happened despite Joel’s protective SIJ status — which is reserved for minors abused, neglected, or abandoned by a parent — and his compliance with all government orders. Joel will now return to his family, friends, and community in the Bronx.

“While it’s a huge relief that Joel can finally go home, ICE should have never detained him in the first place,” said Elizabeth Gyori, senior staff attorney at the New York Civil Liberties Union. “By arresting a child with legal status at a routine check-in, ICE acted with brazen cruelty, broke U.S. law, and violated the Constitution. The Trump administration should expect to keep seeing us in court if they continue to punish people for following the rules.”

“I am thrilled that after weeks of unnecessary detention, Joel can return to his family and community,” said Beth Baltimore, deputy director of the Door’s Legal Services Center. “The court recognized that what the government did to Joel was extraordinary and we’re grateful that he can be reunited with his family today.”

These events follow months of ICE officers arresting hundreds of children across the state. This includes Dylan, another high schooler from the Bronx who ICE arrested when attending a routine court date, another student in New York City, and even a 6 year old. HHS data shows that about 2,000 or more children have been trapped in the Office of Refugee Resettlement custody since President Trump took office.

For all case materials, please see here.