Milford community reels after ICE temporarily detains local teen

Gustavo Enrique De Oliveira, a 16-year-old Milford High School student, was detained by ICE officers on Friday after he fled from a masked individual, fearing for his safety. His lawyers claim that he was tackled, threatened with a firearm, and held for about an hour, leading to heightened anxiety for his family, who are awaiting an asylum decision. Community support emerged quickly, with a rally held to advocate for immigrant rights and condemn ICE's actions, which activists argue create fear in the community. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin clarified that Gustavo was not the target of the operation and was briefly detained to assess any safety threat. Local leaders, including Governor Maura Healey, criticized ICE's approach, asserting that such arrests do not enhance public safety.

This incident marks the second detainment of a local teenager by ICE this year, raising alarms about the agency's impact on immigrant families. The community's response illustrates a growing concern about immigrant rights and the implications of ICE operations. As Gustavo's family continues their legal journey, the incident underscores the challenges faced by immigrants in the U. S.