Two High Schoolers in Mississippi Are Released After Being Detained by ICE
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Two teenage brothers from the Republic of Congo, Israel Makoka (18) and Max Makoka (15), were detained by federal immigration agents in Mississippi while on their way to school but were released on Thursday.
- The brothers had been taken to separate detention centers in Louisiana and Texas after being apprehended outside their guardians' home in Diamondhead, Miss., on April 21.
- Their detention sparked concern within their conservative small town, where they are known as leaders on their high school basketball team and active church members.
- Following appeals from the school community to local Republican politicians, the Department of Homeland Security, led by new secretary Markwayne Mullin, decided to release the teenagers so they could finish their school year.
- The brothers and their guardians expressed relief and happiness about the release and their return home.
