Key Takeaways
• Maykol, 18, was arrested May 20, 2025, on a school trip and faces deportation to Colombia.
• Michigan police called federal CBP agents for translation, raising racial profiling concerns.
• Maykol had a final deportation order from 2024; lawyer seeks stay to finish high school.
A Detroit Teen’s Deportation Case Sparks Outrage and Fear in Immigrant Community
An 18-year-old high school student from Detroit is at the center of a growing immigration controversy after being arrested during a school field trip on May 20, 2025. The student, identified as Maykol, is now facing deportation to Colombia 🇨🇴, just months before he was set to graduate. His story has drawn attention to the challenges faced by undocumented youth, the role of local police in immigration enforcement, and the wider impact of recent federal policies on immigrant communities.
Who Is Maykol and What Happened?
Maykol, a Colombian teenager living in Detroit, was just 3.5 credits away from finishing high school at Western International High School. On May 20, 2025, he was driving with three classmates to Lake Erie Metropark, about 25 miles from Detroit, when Rockwood police pulled him over for tailgating another car. The traffic stop happened about a mile from the park.
When officers asked for his driver’s license, Maykol could only show a City of Detroit identification card. Michigan does not issue driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants, so Maykol did not have one. Because of language barriers, the local police called U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for help. Instead of using their own translation services, they relied on federal immigration agents to interpret, a move that Maykol’s attorney, Robinson, says could be seen as racial profiling.
Maykol and his classmates did not have permission from the school to attend the field trip that day. Detroit Public Schools Community District Superintendent Nikolai Vitti confirmed that Maykol and the other students had skipped school and were not authorized to go to the park.
Maykol’s Legal Situation: Facing Deportation
Maykol’s situation became even more complicated after his arrest. He had already received a final deportation order in 2024. At the time of his arrest, he and his attorney were working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Colombian Consulate to get the travel documents needed for him to return to Colombia 🇨🇴. His attorney explained that they were following the rules, but it takes time for these documents to be prepared.
After the arrest, Maykol was taken to the Chippewa County Correctional Facility in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, more than five hours away from Detroit. As of June 10, 2025, his exact location was unclear, with reports that he was being moved to another facility.
Maykol’s attorney is now fighting for his release and asking for a stay of deportation. A stay would allow Maykol to finish his high school education before leaving the United States 🇺🇸. According to a YouTube report, he was only 3.5 credits away from graduating, making the timing of his arrest especially painful for him and his supporters.
The Community Reacts: Fear and Sadness in Detroit
Maykol’s arrest has deeply affected the community at Western International High School and the wider southwest Detroit area, which has been a home for Latin American immigrants for over a century. Teachers and students describe Maykol as a kind, hardworking student who wanted nothing more than to graduate high school. One teacher told reporters, “He’s a very sweet kid. He wants to graduate high school. He’s well-liked by his peers.”
Maykol arrived in the United States 🇺🇸 when he was 16, and according to his teacher, “had no control over coming here.” The incident has left many students and families feeling scared and uncertain about their own futures. “Everybody is upset and everybody is scared,” the teacher said. “The students who were in the car with him are not OK. They all need a lot of love and compassion and they aren’t getting that. Everyone’s hurting.”
The fear is not just about Maykol’s case. Many families worry that a simple traffic stop or misunderstanding could lead to detention or deportation for themselves or their loved ones. The emotional toll is high, especially for young people who have grown up in the United States 🇺🇸 and see it as their home.
How Local Police and Federal Agents Interact
A key part of Maykol’s case is how local police and federal immigration agents work together. In this situation, Rockwood police called CBP agents to help with translation during the traffic stop. Maykol’s attorney, Robinson, argues that this practice could be seen as racial profiling, especially since the officers did not use their own translation services.
This raises important questions about the role of local police in immigration enforcement. Some advocates say that when local police get involved in immigration matters, it can lead to more fear and mistrust in immigrant communities. People may become afraid to call the police, even in emergencies, because they worry about being reported to immigration authorities.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, cases like Maykol’s highlight the need for clear guidelines on when and how local police should interact with federal immigration agencies. Without these guidelines, there is a risk that routine police work could lead to unnecessary detentions and deportations, especially for young people like Maykol who are close to finishing school and building their lives in the United States 🇺🇸.
Maykol’s Deportation Order: What Does It Mean?
A deportation order is a legal decision that requires someone to leave the United States 🇺🇸. In Maykol’s case, he received a final deportation order in 2024. This means that an immigration judge decided he must return to Colombia 🇨🇴. Once a final order is issued, ICE is responsible for making sure the person leaves the country.
However, even after a deportation order, there are steps that can be taken to delay or stop the removal. For example, an attorney can file a request for a “stay of removal.” This is a legal request asking immigration authorities to pause the deportation, often for humanitarian reasons, such as allowing a student to finish school or to care for a sick family member.
If you or someone you know is facing a similar situation, you can find more information about stays of removal and other legal options on the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
Similar Cases Across the Country
Maykol’s case is not unique. Across the United States 🇺🇸, other young immigrants have faced detention and deportation, sometimes after years of living in the country. One recent example is Marcelo Gomes da Silva, an 18-year-old from Massachusetts who came to the United States 🇺🇸 from Brazil 🇧🇷 at age 7. Marcelo was detained by ICE agents while on his way to volleyball practice. His detention sparked a wave of support from his community, including a student walkout and a special volleyball match in his honor.
On June 5, 2025, an immigration judge granted Marcelo bond, allowing him to be released while his case continues. This shows that community support and legal advocacy can make a difference in these cases.
There have also been cases where the government admitted to making mistakes. For example, Kilmar Abrego Garcia was “erroneously deported,” according to officials. These incidents have led to criticism of the current administration’s approach to immigration enforcement.
The Bigger Picture: Immigration Enforcement Under President Trump
Maykol’s arrest comes at a time of increased immigration enforcement under President Trump, who returned to office in 2025. The administration has claimed to have “delivered the most secure border in American history,” reporting more than 151,000 arrests and 135,000 deportations of undocumented immigrants in the first 100 days. However, the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, a respected data group, estimates the real number of deportations is closer to 72,000.
These policies have led to more aggressive actions by ICE and CBP, including in cities like Detroit. Many immigrant families now live with the constant fear that a minor mistake or misunderstanding could lead to detention or deportation.
What Does This Mean for Detroit’s Immigrant Community?
Detroit has long been a welcoming city for immigrants, especially those from Latin America. The city’s southwest neighborhoods are known for their vibrant culture and strong community ties. But cases like Maykol’s have created a climate of fear and uncertainty.
- Students worry about their safety and future. Many young people, especially those who are undocumented, fear that they could be next.
- Families are afraid to seek help. Some parents are hesitant to contact police or other authorities, even when they need help, because they worry about immigration consequences.
- Schools face new challenges. Teachers and staff must support students who are dealing with trauma and fear, while also trying to keep them focused on their education.
Community leaders and advocates are calling for more support for immigrant families, including legal assistance, mental health resources, and clear policies that protect students from immigration enforcement at or near schools.
What Can Be Done? Legal and Practical Steps
If you or someone you know is facing deportation, there are steps you can take:
- Contact a qualified immigration attorney. Legal help is essential in these cases. Attorneys can file requests for stays of removal, appeals, or other forms of relief.
- Gather important documents. Keep copies of school records, medical records, and any legal documents related to your case.
- Reach out to community organizations. Many groups in Detroit and across the country offer support to immigrants facing deportation.
- Know your rights. Everyone in the United States 🇺🇸 has certain rights, regardless of immigration status. For example, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
For official information about immigration enforcement and your rights, visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website.
The Human Side: Maykol’s Story and Its Impact
Maykol’s story is about more than just legal documents and government policies. It’s about a young person who came to the United States 🇺🇸 as a teenager, worked hard in school, and was just months away from graduating. It’s about a community that is hurting and afraid, but also determined to support its young people.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, cases like Maykol’s show the real-life impact of immigration enforcement on students, families, and entire communities. They also highlight the need for policies that balance security with compassion and fairness.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Maykol and Detroit?
As of June 10, 2025, Maykol’s future remains uncertain. His attorney continues to fight for his release and a chance for him to finish high school. The outcome of his case could set an important example for how similar cases are handled in Detroit and across the country.
For now, the community waits and hopes for a positive outcome. Teachers, students, and families are coming together to support Maykol and to call for changes that will protect other young people from facing the same fate.
Takeaways and Next Steps
- Maykol’s case highlights the risks faced by undocumented youth in Detroit and across the United States 🇺🇸.
- Local police involvement in immigration enforcement can lead to fear and mistrust in immigrant communities.
- Legal options like stays of removal may be available for those facing deportation, but require quick action and legal help.
- Community support and advocacy can make a difference in individual cases.
- For more information about your rights and legal options, visit the USCIS page on stays of removal.
Maykol’s story is a reminder that behind every immigration case is a real person with hopes, dreams, and a community that cares. The decisions made in cases like his will shape the future not just for one student, but for the entire city of Detroit and beyond.
Learn Today
Deportation Order → A legal mandate requiring a non-citizen to leave the United States.
Stay of Removal → A legal request to temporarily halt an individual’s deportation process.
CBP (Customs and Border Protection) → Federal agency managing border security, often involved in immigration enforcement.
Undocumented Immigrant → A person residing in a country without official legal authorization.
Final Deportation Order → An immigration judge’s binding decision that a person must depart the country.
This Article in a Nutshell
Detroit teen Maykol was stopped May 20, 2025, without a driver’s license during a school trip. Arrested despite near graduation, his deportation case exposes fears in immigrant communities about local police and federal immigration enforcement.
— By VisaVerge.com
