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Local teen's ICE detention prompts outrage
Officials say the teen overstayed his visa, but his family and advocates criticized the lack of communication and chaotic transfers.
LOS ANGELES - Educators, community organizations and activists are uniting to demand the release of a Reseda High School student.
What we know:
Benjamin Marcelo Guerrero-Cruz has been in ICE custody for nearly three months.
On Monday afternoon, a press conference and rally organized by LAUSD educators and the Community Self Defense Coalition was held.
They called for his immediate release from the Adelanto ICE Processing Detention Center.
What they're saying:
"He should be in classes with his classmates. He should be going to dances. He should go to the Dodger games or whatever. He shouldn't be in a detention center because he didn't do anything wrong. And so that's why we're here as teachers. We have the obligation to not only educate our kids and to take care of them inside of the classroom, but we feel the responsibility to also take care of our students even outside of the classrooms," said teacher Ron Jochez.
Officials say the teen overstayed his visa, but his family and advocates criticize the lack of communication and chaotic transfers.
The Source: This article is primarily based on information and demands issued directly by community organizations and educators, specifically referencing a press conference and rally held by LAUSD educators and the Community Self Defense Coalition. Direct quotes are attributed to teacher Ron Jochez, while details regarding the official reason for the detention (overstayed visa) and family criticism are drawn from statements made by officials and the family/advocates, as documented in the source material.