Teacher sets up fundraiser to help student detained by ICE
The fundraiser claims the senior was detained because he had just turned 18 and is not a legal resident.
A Westchester high school teacher is rallying behind one of her students who she says is detained by ICE.
A GoFundMe was set up by Ligia Maldonado.
Maldonado is listed as a teacher in Port Chester High School's directory.
According to the fundraiser, Maldonado created the campaign to help a student of hers, a senior named Rafael, who was set to graduate this spring, but was detained by ICE.
"Actually, I want to say thank you to that teacher, because I think she does a great job," says Freddy B., a Port Chester taxi driver.
The GoFundMe says Rafael's immigration status was questioned when ICE agents were searching for another person.
The fundraiser claims the senior was detained because he had just turned 18 and is not a legal resident.
ICE hasn't responded to our inquiry and it's unclear where this interaction occurred.
However, Gergana Genova, of Genova Law, explains if there's any legal protections for students in situations like this.
"When a child is detained, it's heartbreaking. But, unfortunately whatever relief there is, it doesn't differentiate between an exemplary student, or a student graduating, and anyone else," Genova says.
The immigration attorney says undocumented students should not live in fear, but urges families to have a plan in place.
"God forbid something unfortunate happens, then they have the logistics and the resources and the right people to contact," Genova says.
A spokesperson for the Port Chester School District says they are aware of the situation.
They released a statement saying the safety of students and staff is always the district's priority.
