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Brazilian student detained by ICE, released after months, attends State of the Union as guest

May 31, 2025 · Milford, MA, Brazil

Brazilian student detained by ICE, released after months, attends State of the Union as guest

Marcelo Gomes da Silva, an 18-year-old high school student from Brazil who arrived in the U.S. at age 7, was arrested by ICE agents in May 2025 while driving to volleyball practice because his student visa had expired. He was detained in a Burlington ICE facility under poor conditions, including sleeping on concrete floors without beds or windows. After his release on bond, he remained in legal limbo for several months. He received his high school diploma in May 2026 and was invited by Congressman Seth Moulton to attend the State of the Union as a guest, where he planned to advocate for immigrants. His arrest and resilience were publicly acknowledged during his high school's commencement ceremony.

Timeline

May 2026Received high school diploma; resilience acknowledged during commencement ceremony
2026Invited by Congressman Seth Moulton to attend State of the Union as guest to advocate for immigrants
May 2025Marcelo Gomes da Silva arrested by ICE while driving to volleyball practice; detained in Burlington ICE facility under poor conditions
May 2025Released on bond after six days in detention

Sources

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