BURLINGTON, MA — Marcelo Gomes da Silva, an 18-year-old Massachusetts high school junior, is speaking out after being detained by ICE on his way to volleyball practice. Following nearly a week in a Burlington detention facility, Gomes da Silva says he’s now focused on helping others still being held.
“No one deserves to be down there,” he said through tears at a press conference on Thursday, after an immigration judge granted him a $2,000 bond.
The Brazilian national, who has lived in Milford, Massachusetts since he was six years old, was arrested last Saturday while driving to volleyball practice. Although ICE was targeting his father — who is accused of reckless driving — agents instead detained Gomes da Silva, who was driving his father’s car.
Gomes da Silva described sleeping on a concrete floor, going six days without a shower, and sharing his limited food with other detainees. Fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, he acted as a translator for fellow inmates and said prayer and faith helped him endure the emotional toll.
“At the end of the day, this place — it’s not a good spot to be,” he said.
“The only thing I could do is thank God every day.”
The Milford community and local officials rallied in support of Gomes da Silva after news of his arrest spread. Without access to daylight or television in the facility, he was unaware of the public outcry until his release.
His father, Joao Paulo Gomes-Pereira, has not been detained, though DHS claims he is known for reckless driving. Still, Marcelo defended him emotionally:
“If you want to talk bad about my dad, you have to talk bad about me. He raised me.”
“My dad’s everything to me.”
Marcelo said he was welcomed home Thursday night by his family, classmates, and even his mini-poodle. His first stop? McDonald’s — for fries, nuggets, and a Coke.
“I’m optimistic about the future,” he said. “My dad always taught me to be humble and put others first. I want to do whatever I can to help the people still inside.”
Massachusetts officials criticized the arrest. Gov. Maura Healey called it unnecessary and harmful, saying, “Marcelo never should have been arrested or detained, and it certainly did not make us safer.”
Rep. Seth Moulton added, “This administration is not keeping us safe by keeping 18-year-old honor students in prison. This is not American.”
Marcelo had entered the U.S. legally in 2012 on a student visa that has since lapsed. He has no criminal record and is now seeking asylum.
Federal judges have issued orders preventing ICE from removing or transferring Gomes da Silva for the time being. The government has 14 days to respond to the petition for his release.
