New York City is advocating for a Bronx high school student, Dylan Lopez Contreras, who was detained by immigration agents after attending a routine court hearing. The city filed an amicus brief, arguing that his detention is unjust and violates his due process rights. Contreras, a 20-year-old Venezuelan student at Ellis Preparatory Academy with no criminal history, was pursuing a green card when he was held at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Pennsylvania. Mayor Eric Adams emphasized that Contreras was following legal procedures designed to help migrants become self-sufficient, rather than being rewarded for his compliance, he was punished.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) asserted that Contreras entered the U.S. illegally over a year ago and that he had been released under the Biden administration. He was detained on May 21 and placed in expedited removal proceedings. DHS defended this action, stating that individuals without a valid fear claim could face swift deportation. Meanwhile, the New York Legal Assistance Group, which represents Contreras, insists he entered legally to seek asylum and is demanding his immediate release.
The amicus brief highlights concerns over using mandatory immigration hearings to detain individuals, which could discourage people from accessing legal proceedings essential for local governance. This tactic has been criticized as a continuation of mass deportation strategies from the Trump era. Contreras, who arrived in spring 2024, has utilized various services for immigrants and is working part-time to support his family. Local representatives, including Rep. Ritchie Torres and City Council member Carmen De La Rosa, advocate for his release, underscoring his positive contributions to the community and calling for reform in the immigration system.
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