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‘Bring Marcelo home’: After commencement, Milford protests ICE for detaining high school student

By Dan Glaun and Tonya Alanez Globe Staff,Updated June 1, 2025, 32 minutes ago
Milford High School graduates protest outside of Town Hall a day after 18-year-old Marcelo Gomes Da Silva was detained by ICE on his way to volleyball practice in Milford, MA.
Milford High School graduates protest outside of Town Hall a day after 18-year-old Marcelo Gomes Da Silva was detained by ICE on his way to volleyball practice in Milford, MA.Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff

MILFORD — Marcelo Gomes Da Silva was expected to perform with the Milford High School band at the school’s commencement on Sunday. Instead, as his bandmates played for those walking across the stage, Gomes remained locked up by immigration officials after being detained Saturday while headed to volleyball practice.

The 18-year-old’s detention by federal immigration officers sparked a post-commencement protest Sunday, with more than 1,000 demonstrators at Milford Town Hall lining the sidewalk and waving signs condemning ICE and calling for Gomes’s release.

“Hands off our kids,” they chanted.

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Related: ICE detains Milford High student on his way to volleyball practice, administrator says
Students protested outside of Town Hall a day after 18-year-old Marcelo Gomes Da Silva was detained by ICE on his way to volleyball practice in Milford, MA on June 1, 2025.
Students protested outside of Town Hall a day after 18-year-old Marcelo Gomes Da Silva was detained by ICE on his way to volleyball practice in Milford, MA on June 1, 2025.Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff
Graduates embrace as they protest outside of Town Hall a day after 18 year-old Marcelo Gomes Da Silva was detained by ICE on his way to volleyball practice in Milford, MA on June 1, 2025
Graduates embrace as they protest outside of Town Hall a day after 18 year-old Marcelo Gomes Da Silva was detained by ICE on his way to volleyball practice in Milford, MA on June 1, 2025Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff
Related: Photos: Community protests after student detained by ICE in Milford
Family members of 18 year-old Marcelo Gomes Da Silva who was detained by ICE on his way to volleyball break down in tears during a protest held for Marcelo outside of Town Hall in Milford, MA on June 1, 2025.
Family members of 18 year-old Marcelo Gomes Da Silva who was detained by ICE on his way to volleyball break down in tears during a protest held for Marcelo outside of Town Hall in Milford, MA on June 1, 2025.Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff
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