Massachusetts High School Student Detained by ICE, Coach Confirms

Key Takeaways

• An 18-year-old Milford High student was detained by ICE on May 31, 2025, en route to volleyball practice.
• Local officials were not notified; community protests and Governor Healey demand transparency from ICE.
• Detained student active in sports and music; ICE confirmed custody but provided no further details.

An 18-year-old Milford High School student was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on the morning of Saturday, May 31, 2025, while on his way to volleyball practice in Milford, Massachusetts. The incident, confirmed by the student’s volleyball coach, Andrew Mainini, has sent shockwaves through the school and local community, raising urgent questions about federal immigration enforcement, student safety, and the rights of young people with deep community ties.

What Happened: The Detention of a Milford High School Student

According to reports from students and school staff, the student—described as an “exceptional citizen” who is active in both sports and music—was driving with teammates to a volleyball practice when three unmarked vehicles pulled them over. ICE agents questioned the students about their immigration status and documentation. After a brief interrogation, the agents took the 18-year-old driver into custody and released the other minors in the car.

The student was scheduled to participate in Milford High School’s graduation ceremony as a member of the school band, making the timing of the detention especially painful for classmates and teachers. The volleyball coach, Andrew Mainini, received a text from a student witness before 8:30 a.m. that morning, confirming the incident. Mainini described the student as someone who “makes other people smile,” highlighting the personal loss felt by the school community.

Community Reaction: Outrage, Fear, and Calls for Answers

The news of the detention spread quickly, leading to outrage and fear among students, parents, and staff at Milford High School. Many expressed deep concern about the suddenness of the action and the lack of information provided by ICE. A peaceful protest was planned for noon on Sunday, June 1, at Milford Town Hall, as community members demanded answers and support for the detained student.

Milford Public Schools Superintendent Kevin McIntyre confirmed the detention and emphasized that the school district has no role in immigration enforcement. He reiterated the district’s support for all students and families, regardless of immigration status, and acknowledged the broader impact of recent ICE actions on the community.

Local officials, including Milford Police Chief Robert Tusino, stated they were not informed of the ICE operation and had no involvement. This lack of communication has added to the community’s frustration and confusion.

Official Response: State and Local Leaders Demand Transparency

Governor Maura Healey issued a strong statement on June 1, 2025, demanding immediate answers from ICE about the reason for the student’s arrest, his current whereabouts, and the protection of his due process rights. Governor Healey criticized the lack of communication from ICE and expressed concern about the climate of fear created by federal immigration enforcement in Massachusetts.

Superintendent McIntyre and other school officials echoed these concerns, stressing the need for transparency and the importance of protecting students’ rights. The Milford High School volleyball coach, Andrew Mainini, and other staff members have spoken out about the distress and disruption caused by the detention, both for the student involved and for the wider school community.

ICE’s Position: Silence and Unanswered Questions

As of June 1, 2025, ICE has confirmed that the student is in custody but has not provided a public reason for the arrest or details on the student’s current location or legal status. The lack of information has made it difficult for the student’s family, friends, and school officials to understand what will happen next or how to support him.

This incident is not isolated. In recent weeks, several parents of Milford students have also been detained by ICE, suggesting a pattern of increased enforcement in the area. The timing of these actions, coinciding with graduation and other end-of-year school events, has heightened anxiety among undocumented students and families.

The Process: What Happens After ICE Detention?

When ICE detains someone, the process usually follows these steps:

1. Detention: ICE agents detain the individual, often without prior notice to local authorities or family members.
2. Initial Processing: The person is taken to an ICE facility for fingerprinting, background checks, and interviews.
3. Notification: In many cases, including this one, local officials and family are not immediately notified. This lack of communication is a common criticism of ICE procedures.
4. Legal Proceedings: The detainee may be scheduled for an immigration court hearing to determine if they can stay in the United States 🇺🇸 or will be deported. Access to a lawyer is not guaranteed by the government, but families can seek legal help independently.
5. Community Response: Local advocacy groups, protests, and legal support efforts often mobilize quickly, as seen with the planned protest in Milford.

Families and friends can try to locate detained individuals using the ICE Detainee Locator System, which is the official government tool for finding people in ICE custody.

Policy Context: Why Are Students Being Detained?

Massachusetts has seen increased ICE activity in recent years, with both adults and youth being targeted. The state government and many local communities have adopted policies that limit cooperation with ICE, but federal authorities still have the power to conduct independent operations.

The detention of the Milford High School student highlights several ongoing issues:

• Lack of Transparency: ICE often does not inform local officials or families before or after detaining someone, making it hard for communities to respond or support those affected.
• Due Process Concerns: Detainees may not have immediate access to legal counsel or information about their rights.
• Impact on School Communities: Students with strong community ties, no criminal history, and active involvement in school life can still be detained, causing disruption and fear among classmates and teachers.
• Pattern of Enforcement: The recent detention of several parents of Milford students suggests a broader pattern of enforcement in the area, increasing anxiety among immigrant families.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Multiple Voices, Shared Concerns

State and Local Officials

Governor Healey and local leaders have been vocal in their criticism of ICE’s lack of transparency and the impact on community trust. They argue that sudden detentions, especially of students and parents with deep roots in the area, undermine the sense of safety and belonging that schools and towns work hard to build.

Milford High School Community

The volleyball coach, Andrew Mainini, and other staff members have described the detained student as a positive influence who is deeply involved in school activities. The loss is felt not just by the student’s friends and family, but by the entire Milford High School community. Students have expressed fear and confusion, unsure if they or their loved ones could be next.

Federal Authorities (ICE)

ICE has not commented publicly on the specific reasons for the student’s detention or provided further details. This silence has fueled frustration and speculation among those seeking answers.

Civil Rights and Immigration Advocates

Advocates argue that detaining students with no criminal records and strong community ties undermines trust in law enforcement and creates a climate of fear. They warn that families may avoid engaging with schools or public services out of fear of being targeted, which can have long-term negative effects on education and community health.

The Broader Picture: National Debates and Local Impact

The Milford incident is part of a larger national debate over immigration enforcement, especially regarding young people brought to the United States 🇺🇸 as children, often called “Dreamers.” While some states and cities have tried to protect these individuals, federal authorities continue to carry out enforcement actions that can disrupt lives and communities.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, incidents like this one in Milford show the real-life impact of immigration policy decisions. When enforcement actions target students and families with deep community ties, the effects ripple through schools, neighborhoods, and local governments.

What Can Families and Students Do?

If you or someone you know is affected by ICE detention, here are some practical steps to take:

• Contact the School: Milford Public Schools, led by Superintendent Kevin McIntyre, is offering support to affected students and families.
• Use the ICE Detainee Locator System: This official tool can help families find out where a detained person is being held.
• Seek Legal Help: Local immigrant advocacy groups, such as the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), can provide legal assistance and advice.
• Stay Informed: Monitor updates from local news outlets, the Milford Public Schools website, and official statements from the Governor’s office and ICE.
• Participate in Community Actions: Peaceful protests and advocacy efforts can help raise awareness and put pressure on officials to provide answers and support.

Implications for Schools and Communities

The detention of a Milford High School student by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has far-reaching effects:

• Student Well-Being: Fear and anxiety can affect students’ ability to focus on schoolwork, participate in activities, and feel safe at school.
• Community Trust: Sudden enforcement actions without local notification can erode trust between families, schools, and law enforcement.
• Policy Debates: Incidents like this one fuel ongoing debates about the role of local versus federal authorities in immigration enforcement, and the need for clear protocols to protect students’ rights.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Milford and Massachusetts?

The Milford community is mobilizing in response to the detention, with protests and calls for greater transparency and support for immigrant students. Governor Healey and other state officials are demanding answers from ICE, which may lead to further investigation or policy discussions at both the state and federal levels.

There is growing pressure for clearer protocols regarding notification and due process protections for detained students. Many are calling for better communication between federal and local agencies to ensure that families and schools are not left in the dark when a student is taken into custody.

Summary Table: Key Facts

Official Resources and Contacts

• ICE Detainee Locator System: Find detained individuals
• Milford Public Schools: Contact Superintendent Kevin McIntyre’s office for support and updates.
• Governor’s Office: Governor Maura Healey’s office is actively seeking information and can be contacted for updates on state-level advocacy.
• Local Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) can provide legal and emotional support.

Final Thoughts: The Human Cost of Immigration Enforcement

The detention of a Milford High School student by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is more than just a news story—it is a deeply personal event that affects real people, families, and communities. As the Milford community rallies in support of the student and demands answers from federal authorities, the case serves as a reminder of the urgent need for transparency, compassion, and clear protocols to protect the rights and well-being of all students.

For ongoing updates, continue to check local news outlets, the Milford Public Schools website, and official statements from the Governor’s office and ICE. If you or someone you know is affected by this situation, reach out for support and use the resources available to stay informed and connected.

Learn Today

ICE → U.S. federal agency enforcing immigration laws and detaining individuals suspected of immigration violations.
Detention → The act of holding someone in custody, often by immigration authorities during legal processing.
Due Process → Legal requirement that ensures fair treatment through the judicial system before deprivation of rights.
Detainee Locator System → Official ICE online tool used by families to locate individuals in ICE custody.
Graduation Ceremony → Formal event marking the completion of a school program celebrated by students and community.

This Article in a Nutshell

An 18-year-old Milford High student was detained by ICE on May 31, 2025, disrupting graduation plans and sparking community protests demanding transparency.
— By VisaVerge.com