Massachusetts Team Supports Player Detained by ICE

In a gesture of solidarity, supporters of a Massachusetts high school volleyball team are rallying to support a detained teammate.

The Milford High School boys volleyball team is urging fans to don white attire during their match scheduled for Tuesday evening, demonstrated on social media by their heartfelt Instagram proclamation: “Our game on June 3rd will be played in honor of Marcelo. We will continue to pray and fight for our brother.”

This show of support is for Marcelo Gomes da Silva, a junior originally from Brazil, who was detained over the weekend by immigration authorities while traveling to volleyball practice. According to acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, the intended target of the agents was Gomes da Silva’s father, who owns the vehicle that Marcelo was driving.

Lyons clarified the situation, saying, “Like any local law enforcement officer, if you encounter someone that has a warrant or … he’s here illegally, we will take action on it.” Amid questions regarding the arrest of an 18-year-old with no criminal past, Lyons explained, “I didn’t say he was dangerous. I said he’s in this country illegally and we’re not going to walk away from anybody.”

Department of Homeland Security representative Tricia McLaughlin stated that the officers were pursuing a “known public safety threat,” attributing to Gomes da Silva’s father “a habit of reckless driving at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour through residential areas.”

McLaughlin further pointed out, “While ICE officers never intended to apprehend Gomes da Silva, he was found to be in the United States illegally and subject to removal proceedings, so officers made the arrest.”

Gomes da Silva initially entered the U.S. in 2013 with a visitor visa, according to his attorney, Robin Nice, and was later on a lapsed student visa. An immigration court hearing is set for Thursday. Meanwhile, a federal judge handling Gomes da Silva’s bid for release has allowed the government time until June 16 to respond and stipulated that any relocation outside Massachusetts requires advance notice to the court.

The arrest has ignited a wave of concern among Democratic officials, including Gov. Maura Healey, who is seeking clarity on his treatment and legal proceedings. The superintendent of Milford schools emphasized that their district does not engage in immigration enforcement and stands by all families, immigrants included.

A demonstration of solidarity was evident on Monday when hundreds of students conducted a walkout, brandishing signs with messages such as “Free our friend” and “America was built by immigrants.” Teachers and community members plan to attend the volleyball game to support Gomes da Silva, stated a spokesperson from the Massachusetts Teachers Association.

“The Massachusetts Teachers Association condemns ICE’s cruel and inhumane actions in the strongest possible terms,” announced the union. “We call on leaders at every level to ensure our schools remain safe spaces of learning, belonging and safety for all students — not hunting grounds for ICE agents.”