Community members gathered in solidarity for a student's educational rights.
Community leaders and educators are advocating for Maykol Bogoya-Duarte, an 18-year-old student facing deportation back to Colombia after being taken into custody during a traffic stop. Supporters emphasize his dedication to education and have created a petition that has amassed over 1,500 signatures. Despite their efforts, his request for a stay of deportation was denied, and he was removed shortly after the school year ended. Advocates, including local lawmakers, continue to push for changes in policy affecting students like Bogoya-Duarte.
Detroit – Community leaders, classmates, and educators are rallying for the release of Maykol Bogoya-Duarte, an 18-year-old student facing imminent deportation to Colombia. Bogoya-Duarte, a senior at Western International High School in the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), was arrested on May 20 during a routine traffic stop and has since been held in immigration detention.
The traffic stop occurred near Rockwood when Bogoya-Duarte allegedly tailgated a police car. Upon discovering that he did not possess a driver’s license, local authorities contacted Border Patrol due to what they referred to as a “language barrier.” Subsequently, immigration officials confirmed that both Bogoya-Duarte and his mother had existing deportation orders.
Having lived in the United States for almost three years, Bogoya-Duarte’s situation became critical when he ignored a judge’s removal order and lost an appeal for asylum. His attorney, Ruby Robinson from the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, has been advocating for a deportation stay to allow him the opportunity to complete high school before being returned to Colombia.
The community’s response has been overwhelmingly supportive, as a petition initiated to secure a stay of deportation has garnered over 1,500 signatures. This petition describes Bogoya-Duarte as an “ideal student” and highlights his intelligence and caring nature. The DPSCD Board of Education has also expressed their support for the efforts to allow him to graduate before facing deportation.
Numerous community members voiced their solidarity for Bogoya-Duarte at a recent Board of Education meeting, with supporters emphasizing the impact his deportation would have on his education. A teacher remarked on the situation, indicating that Bogoya-Duarte’s actions, which included skipping school at times, were an “adolescent mistake” rather than a reflection of his character.
Initially held in a Border Patrol facility, Bogoya-Duarte was later moved to the Chippewa County Correctional Facility and then transferred to the Pine Prairie ICE Facility in Louisiana. Unfortunately for him, his request to stay in the U.S. until graduation was denied by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
On June 11, just after the close of the school year, Bogoya-Duarte was deported back to Colombia. His attorney expressed both sadness and anger over the decision but acknowledged the considerable community support that has been offered. The deportation occurred shortly after a wave of protests and advocacy from classmates, educators, and state lawmakers.
The DPSCD issued a statement expressing their heartbreak over Bogoya-Duarte’s situation and reiterating their demand for a stay of deportation. Among those advocating for him are U.S. Representatives Shri Thanedar and Rashida Tlaib, who have been vocal about the need to support Bogoya-Duarte’s release. Tlaib criticized the police for contacting immigration authorities regarding the language issue, suggesting that this action contributed to racial profiling.
As the drama surrounding Maykol Bogoya-Duarte unfolds, his case highlights broader conversations about immigration, education, and the rights of students in similar situations. Dozens of supporters continue to hope for a resolution that allows the young man the chance to graduate high school and pursue his dreams in the United States.
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