ICE detained Des Moines high school student during routine immigration check-in, advocates say
By KCCI Staff
Click here for updates on this story
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) — Immigration advocates say a Des Moines high school student was detained and deported by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during a check-in.
The Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice provided a news release Thursday morning, in which it says a high school student was detained at the federal building in downtown Des Moines during an immigration check-in on Sept. 30.
The student was transferred to Hardin County Jail and later to a detention center in Louisiana before being deported, according to Iowa MMJ.
Des Moines Public Schools provided a statement to KCCI:
Des Moines Public Schools is aware that one of our high school students was detained by federal immigration authorities late last month. This situation did not occur on or near school property.
We understand that news like this can cause concern among our students, families, and staff. Our schools are committed to being safe, welcoming places for every student with principals, teachers and staff who care about their well-being.
Iowa MMJ further said that it’d been in contact with Sen. Chuck Grassley’s office, asking him to defend the student.
In a statement to KCCI, a spokesperson for Grassley’s office confirmed that he’d been in contact and provided information about the ICE office that could help. You can read the full statement below.
Statement from spokesperson for Sen. Chuck Grassley’s Office “Senator Grassley’s office is aware of the situation and was contacted by the reported guardian and advocates for this individual. As part of Senator Grassley’s commitment to assisting Iowa constituents who need help with a federal agency, the office looked into the matter and corresponded with the advocates on multiple occasions. This included providing specific information about the ICE office that could assist further. Congress passes laws, and the executive branch enforces the law.”
KCCI has reached out to ICE for more information on the arrest and deportation, but have not yet heard back.
Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.