An 18-year-old student, Esdrás R., from Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven, Connecticut, was detained by ICE on July 21, 2025, at his workplace. His detention has sparked protests and calls for his release, with community members and officials saying the action is unjust and harmful to immigrant families.
Esdrás R. Detained by ICE
Esdrás R., a rising junior at Wilbur Cross High School, was working at a car wash when ICE officers detained him. After his arrest, Esdrás was moved to the Alexandria Staging Facility in Louisiana. As of August 2, 2025, his deportation flight was canceled, but he remains in ICE custody and is expected to be sent back to a detention center in New Orleans. The sudden detention of a student has shocked his school and the wider New Haven community.
Community and Official Response
The detention has led to strong reactions from local leaders, teachers, students, and immigrant rights groups. Many say Esdrás is a hardworking student who poses no threat to public safety. They argue that ICE’s actions are traumatizing for immigrant families and disrupt the lives of young people trying to build their futures.
Tabitha Sookdeo, Executive Director of Connecticut Students for a Dream (CT SFD), said, “We are horrified by the detention of Esdrás. Our organization is working hard to educate immigrant communities about their rights and provide counseling to students affected by ICE raids.” CT SFD has been at the forefront of efforts to support Esdrás and other students facing similar threats.
Mayor Justin Elicker of New Haven called the detention “unwarranted” and urged the federal government to stop what he described as inhumane immigration enforcement. He said, “New Haven is committed to being a welcoming community. We will continue our legal battles against federal immigration policies that harm our residents.”
Viviana Camacho, Assistant Superintendent of New Haven Public Schools, described Esdrás as “a fine young man” and questioned why he was detained. She stressed that the detention has a negative impact on his education and well-being. Caroline Tanabee, Alder for Ward 9 in New Haven, added, “No child should be taken from our community or robbed of their education. This is cruelty that has no place in our city.”
Leslie Blatteau, President of the New Haven Federation of Teachers, voiced support for efforts to bring Esdrás home, saying the community stands together in solidarity. Senator Richard Blumenthal called ICE’s arrest of the student “cruel, craven and coldhearted,” and demanded Esdrás’s release and return to school.
Protests and Community Action
Since the detention, there have been protests, rallies, and press conferences at Wilbur Cross High School and other locations. Students, teachers, and local residents have gathered to demand Esdrás’s release and to highlight the broader impact of ICE raids on immigrant families and students. Many say these actions create fear and uncertainty, especially for young people who are trying to focus on their education.
Community members have also raised concerns about the conditions in ICE detention centers. Reports mention poor food and unsanitary bathrooms, which add to the distress of those being held. Advocates are calling for better treatment and due process protections to prevent students like Esdrás from being detained without clear justification.
Policy Context and Broader Implications
Esdrás’s case is not unique. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, ICE enforcement actions in Connecticut have increased in recent months, even as local governments try to protect immigrant residents through sanctuary policies. New Haven has a history of fighting federal immigration enforcement, including lawsuits against the Trump administration’s policies. City officials say these efforts are part of their commitment to immigrant rights.
The detention of a student like Esdrás highlights the ongoing tension between federal immigration enforcement and local policies that aim to protect young immigrants, especially those in public schools. Many advocates say that targeting students for detention and possible deportation is especially harmful, as it disrupts their education and can have long-term effects on their mental health and future opportunities.
How ICE Detains Individuals
ICE often detains people at their workplaces, as happened with Esdrás, rather than at their homes or schools. After being detained, individuals are sometimes transferred out of state, making it harder for families and local supporters to provide legal help and emotional support. In Esdrás’s case, being moved to Louisiana has complicated efforts to secure his release and reunite him with his family and school community.
What Families and Students Can Do
For families and students worried about ICE actions, there are steps they can take:
- Know your rights: Organizations like Connecticut Students for a Dream offer resources and training on what to do if approached by ICE.
- Stay connected: Keep in touch with local immigrant rights groups and school officials who can offer support.
- Seek legal help: If someone is detained, contact a trusted immigration lawyer or advocacy group right away.
- Document everything: Keep records of any interactions with ICE, including dates, times, and names of officers if possible.
Where to Find Help
Several organizations and offices are working to help Esdrás and others in similar situations:
- Connecticut Students for a Dream: Offers advocacy and legal support for immigrant youth (ctstudentsforthedream.org)
- New Haven Public Schools: Provides support for students and families affected by immigration issues (nhps.net)
- New Haven Mayor’s Office: Shares information and resources for immigrant residents (newhavenct.gov/government/mayor)
- ICE Detention Information: For official details on detention centers and procedures, visit the ICE Detention Management page
Looking Ahead
The fight to free Esdrás continues, with legal and community efforts focused on his release and return to Wilbur Cross High School. The case has brought attention to the impact of ICE enforcement on students and families in Connecticut and may influence future debates about immigration policy in sanctuary cities.
Advocates are also pushing for better conditions in detention centers and stronger protections for immigrant youth. They hope that ongoing legal challenges and public pressure will lead to changes in how ICE operates, especially in communities that have declared themselves welcoming to immigrants.
As the situation develops, families and students are encouraged to stay informed, seek support, and know their rights. The outcome of Esdrás’s case could set an important example for how similar cases are handled in the future, both in Connecticut and across the United States 🇺🇸.
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