An 18-year-old senior at Western International High School in Detroit, was deported to Colombia on June 19 despite widespread calls to allow him to remain in the U.S. until graduation.
Maykol Bogoya Duarte, who needed just 3½ credits to graduate, was arrested by Border Patrol on May 20 while en route to a school field trip. Rockwood police stopped him for allegedly tailgating an unmarked car and called Border Patrol due to a language barrier—a move criticized by educators and immigrant advocates.
Duarte had been living in Detroit with his mother for over a year after fleeing violence in Colombia. Their asylum application was denied earlier this year, and his appeal was subsequently rejected, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Despite petitions signed by over 1,800 people and support from lawmakers, including Democratic Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Shri Thanedar, ICE denied his request to stay.
“This is the consequence of relying on immigration authorities instead of providing adequate language access,” said Ruby Robinson, Duarte’s attorney.
His deportation has sparked renewed demands for policy changes. “We will keep fighting for our immigrant students,” said Kristen Schoettle, a teacher who witnessed Duarte’s arrest.
Detroit activist Noelle Belanger said Duarte’s deportation is “a disheartening turn of events.”
Belanger was among those asking Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to speak out on the case.
However, Whitmer has not commented on Duarte’s deportation.
