News Summary
Maykol Bogoya-Duarte, an 18-year-old high school student from Detroit, was deported to Colombia after being detained by ICE. Just 3.5 credits shy of graduation, his removal sparked significant community outcry and raised concerns about local and federal immigration policies. Teachers and lawmakers expressed their dismay at how a minor traffic violation led to Maykol’s detention. Advocacy efforts continue to support his family’s transition amid the broader dialogue on immigrant rights.
Detroit High School Student Deported to Colombia
Detroit—Maykol Bogoya-Duarte, an 18-year-old high school student, was deported to Colombia after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). His attorney confirmed the deportation on the morning of June 20, 2025. Maykol is currently staying with his grandmother in Colombia following his removal from the United States.
The deportation of Maykol, who was just 3.5 credits short of graduating from Western International High School, has generated a significant outcry from his teachers, community members, and local lawmakers. His mother notified his attorney of the deportation through a voicemail received late on June 19, 2025, at 11:15 p.m.
Circumstances Leading to Detention
Maykol was arrested on May 20, 2025, in Rockwood, Michigan, after being pulled over for tailgating. At the time of his arrest, he only possessed a City of Detroit identification card and had no valid driver’s license. Following his arrest, he was taken into custody by ICE.
Despite efforts to secure his release to allow him to complete high school, ICE denied his request on June 11, 2025. A petition with over 1,800 signatures was organized to support his plea, which underscores the level of community support he had garnered during the situation.
Impact on Students and Community
The deportation of Maykol has prompted discussions regarding the collaboration between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, particularly involving minor traffic violations. His high school teachers expressed profound sadness regarding the incident, emphasizing the emotional toll it has taken on students and educators alike. They highlighted his pursuit of a better future and the normal developments of adolescent life that were interrupted by his detention.
Background on Immigration Status
Maykol and his mother entered the U.S. when he was 16 years old, seeking asylum due to violence in Colombia. Following a final order of deportation issued on January 29, 2024, his appeals were ultimately rejected by the federal Board of Immigration Appeals by June 2025. His case also included multiple transfers between detention facilities, including one in Michigan and later another in Louisiana, during his immigration custody.
The Detroit Public Schools Community District acknowledged their status as a sanctuary district; however, they reported limited options for intervention in Maykol’s case. Advocacy groups in Detroit, like the People’s Movement Assembly, have mobilized efforts to assist both Maykol and his mother during their transition after the deportation.
Political Reactions
Several Democratic lawmakers have publicly supported Maykol’s case, voicing their opposition to the deportation. However, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has not publicly commented on this fragile issue. This situation raises broader concerns about the rights of immigrants in the U.S. and the apprehension of minors by immigration enforcement agencies.
The event has ignited important conversations about the need for reform in immigration practices, especially concerning vulnerable populations such as minors. Maykol’s story is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by many families navigating the complex U.S. immigration system.
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Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press
- CBS News
- WXYZ Detroit
- Detroit News
- Fox 2 Detroit
- Wikipedia: Immigration in the United States
- Google Search: Detroit immigration policy
- Google Scholar: immigration detention minors
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration
- Google News: Detroit student deportation
