On a tranquil early morning in Los Angeles, an 18-year-old was just strolling his household’s pet when he was unexpectedly detained by migration representatives using masks. What was indicated to be a calm, carefree minute rapidly developed into a demanding and disturbing occasion, as he was apprehended by ICE for overstaying his visa.
This occurrence has actually raised issues amongst his household, good friends, and the regional neighborhood.
What occurred?
Benjamin Marcelo Guerrero-Cruz is an 18-year-old high school senior at Reseda Charter High School in Los Angeles. He was apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on August 8 while strolling his household’s canine along Sepulveda Boulevard in Van Nuys. According to authorities, he overstayed the regards to his Visa Waiver Program by more than 2 years.
Who is Benjamin Marcelo Guerrero-Cruz?
Benjamin is an 18-year-old trainee at Reseda Charter High School in Los Angeles. He is initially from Chile. On August 8, while strolling his household’s pet in Van Nuys, his life was quickly altered when masked representatives from ICE apprehended him. His pet dog was apparently connected to a tree and delegated stroll easily on Sepulveda Boulevard.He had actually simply turned 18 and was preparing to begin school, and now he remains in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, dealing with possible deportation for supposedly overstaying his visa by more than 2 years.
Benjamin has actually been apprehended, which has actually interrupted his prepare for senior year. A declaration from the Department of Homeland Security verified that Guerrero-Cruz overstayed his visa by more than 2 years, breaching the Visa Waiver Program, which needed him to leave the nation by March 15, 2023.
Consequences of the arrest
Benjamin is more than simply a teen; he is an important part of his household. He assists look after his 5-month-old twin siblings and his 6-year-old brother or sister.
His household established a GoFundMe page to aid with legal and living expenditures, explaining him as a “dedicated boy, caring bro, devoted buddy, and valued member of our neighborhood.”That’s not all.His soccer colleagues and pals have actually spoken extremely of him, applauding his peaceful strength and sportsmanship. One colleague explained him as “rock-solid– constantly appeared, strove, and might be relied on week after week,” while another noted his humbleness, calm under pressure, and capability to boost those around him.
Benjamin’s detention has actually stimulated issue about how immigrants are dealt with and about migration policies. The GoFundMe page likewise states a troubling minute: as representatives jailed him, they connected his pet to a tree, unclipped its collar, and launched it to stroll easily on Sepulveda Boulevard.Benjamin’s mom shared unpleasant information with LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, explaining the detention environment as overcrowded, with approximately 40 males in a little area, no space to sit or rest, inadequate food, and minimal access to water.
“He consumes water once a day,” stated Carvalho, as reported by the Los Angeles Times, stating the mom’s words. “She was sobbing with every word that came out of her mouth.
Benjamin’s household began a GoFundMe project to cover legal and living expenses. Currently, the project has actually raised over $47,000, revealing the neighborhood’s assistance throughout this tough time. A household partner shared that the representatives joked about having a weekend of beverages “thanks to him” as they apprehended the teenager.
What’s next?
Benjamin’s detention marks an unexpected and distressing start to his senior year, and it’s a significant obstacle in his young life. This arrest has actually likewise raised worries amongst immigrant households in Los Angeles, particularly with continuous migration enforcement near schools. Previously this year, migration representatives attempted to go into a grade school and wrongly handcuffed a 15-year-old with impairments near his school.Benjamin’s arrest contributes to these existing issues, specifically as enforcement near schools continues. Carvalho stressed the long lasting effect these actions have on trainees: “These minutes imprint on young minds, sidetracking them from scholastic lessons and changing intellectual interest with concern.”
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