Detroit, Michigan, December 9, 2025
Two 16-year-old cousins from Detroit have been detained by ICE and are currently held in Texas. Students at Western International High School, their detention has raised significant community concerns. Local educators and lawmakers advocate for their release, highlighting the negative impact on public safety and the fears within the immigrant community. The boys, seeking asylum, were apprehended during a raid that also detained their parents. The situation continues to evolve, with many pushing for their immediate release.
Detroit Teenagers Detained by ICE Now Held in Texas
Detroit, Michigan – Two 16-year-old cousins from Detroit have been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and are currently being held at a facility in Texas. The teens, both students at Western International High School, were arrested at their home on Detroit’s east side last week. Their parents were also detained during the operation. The arrests have raised concerns among local educators and community members, who are calling for the teens’ immediate release.
Details of the Detention
The cousins, who arrived in the United States from Venezuela in 2023, were taken into custody by ICE agents who raided their home in search of another individual. Both teens are formally seeking asylum in the U.S. and had upcoming court dates. They hold work permits and are employed at a local Chili’s restaurant. The teens are now being held at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas, a facility known for detaining immigrant families. The exact duration of their detention remains uncertain.
Community Response
The arrests have sparked fear and concern within the Detroit community. Educators and students at Western International High School have expressed their distress over the situation. Valerie Brown, a classmate of the detained teens, organized a press conference and rally at Clark Park in Southwest Detroit to advocate for their release. She emphasized the impact of the detentions on the student body, noting that many students are now afraid to attend school due to fears of similar actions by immigration authorities.
Political Advocacy
Local lawmakers have also weighed in on the issue. A group of elected officials, including Senator Stephanie Chang and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, sent a letter to ICE urging the release of the detained individuals. They highlighted the negative impact of such detentions on public safety and community trust, emphasizing that detaining individuals like Ernesto does not advance public safety and heightens fear among immigrant residents who are following the rules, thereby undermining trust in institutions.
Background Context
This incident is part of a broader pattern of increased immigration enforcement actions in the United States. The Trump administration has been implementing a more aggressive approach to deportations, targeting individuals with pending asylum claims and work permits. This strategy has led to heightened anxiety within immigrant communities, particularly among students who fear that their education and future prospects may be jeopardized by such actions.
Ongoing Developments
As of now, the detained teens remain in custody in Texas. Their families and community supporters continue to advocate for their release, emphasizing the importance of allowing them to continue their education and pursue their asylum claims without the threat of deportation. The situation continues to evolve, and further updates are expected as legal proceedings and advocacy efforts progress.
FAQ
- Who are the individuals detained by ICE?
- The individuals are two 16-year-old cousins from Detroit, both students at Western International High School, who were detained by ICE agents at their home on Detroit’s east side last week. Their parents were also detained during the operation. The teens are currently being held at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas. The exact duration of their detention remains uncertain.
- What is the community’s response to the detentions?
- The detentions have sparked fear and concern within the Detroit community. Educators and students at Western International High School have expressed their distress over the situation. Valerie Brown, a classmate of the detained teens, organized a press conference and rally at Clark Park in Southwest Detroit to advocate for their release. She emphasized the impact of the detentions on the student body, noting that many students are now afraid to attend school due to fears of similar actions by immigration authorities.
- What actions have local lawmakers taken regarding this issue?
- Local lawmakers, including Senator Stephanie Chang and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, have sent a letter to ICE urging the release of the detained individuals. They highlighted the negative impact of such detentions on public safety and community trust, emphasizing that detaining individuals like Ernesto does not advance public safety and heightens fear among immigrant residents who are following the rules, thereby undermining trust in institutions.
- What is the background context of this incident?
- This incident is part of a broader pattern of increased immigration enforcement actions in the United States. The Trump administration has been implementing a more aggressive approach to deportations, targeting individuals with pending asylum claims and work permits. This strategy has led to heightened anxiety within immigrant communities, particularly among students who fear that their education and future prospects may be jeopardized by such actions.
- What are the ongoing developments regarding the detained teens?
- As of now, the detained teens remain in custody in Texas. Their families and community supporters continue to advocate for their release, emphasizing the importance of allowing them to continue their education and pursue their asylum claims without the threat of deportation. The situation continues to evolve, and further updates are expected as legal proceedings and advocacy efforts progress.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Individuals Detained | Two 16-year-old cousins from Detroit, both students at Western International High School, detained by ICE agents at their home on Detroit’s east side last week. Their parents were also detained during the operation. The teens are currently being held at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas. The exact duration of their detention remains uncertain. |
| Community Response | The detentions have sparked fear and concern within the Detroit community. Educators and students at Western International High School have expressed their distress over the situation. Valerie Brown, a classmate of the detained teens, organized a press conference and rally at Clark Park in Southwest Detroit to advocate for their release. She emphasized the impact of the detentions on the student body, noting that many students are now afraid to attend school due to fears of similar actions by immigration authorities. |
| Political Advocacy | Local lawmakers, including Senator Stephanie Chang and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, have sent a letter to ICE urging the release of the detained individuals. They highlighted the negative impact of such detentions on public safety and community trust, emphasizing that detaining individuals like Ernesto does not advance public safety and heightens fear among immigrant residents who are following the rules, thereby undermining trust in institutions. |
| Background Context | This incident is part of a broader pattern of increased immigration enforcement actions in the United States. The Trump administration has been implementing a more aggressive approach to deportations, targeting individuals with pending asylum claims and work permits. This strategy has led to heightened anxiety within immigrant communities, particularly among students who fear that their education and future prospects may be jeopardized by such actions. |
| Ongoing Developments | As of now, the detained teens remain in custody in Texas. Their families and community supporters continue to advocate for their release, emphasizing the importance of allowing them to continue their education and pursue their asylum claims without the threat of deportation. The situation continues to evolve, and further updates are expected as legal proceedings and advocacy efforts progress. |
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DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
