9-Year-Old Boy Released from Immigration Detention to Participate in Spelling Bee
A nine-year-old boy, who had been pleading for release from an immigration detention facility to take part in his state’s spelling bee, has reunited with his family following their release on humanitarian parole, as announced by their attorney on Wednesday.
Immigrant Child Shares Concerns During Video Call
Diver Henao Jimenez expressed distress over his situation during a recent video call with children’s entertainer Rachel Accurso, who is known for her engaging performances. Diver’s poignant statement, “I don’t want to be here anymore. Nothing good happens here,” resonated widely when it was shared on Accurso’s social media platforms.
Details of the Boy’s Detention
The young Colombian asylum seeker and his family were detained during a standard immigration check in New Mexico and held at the Dilley Immigration Detention Center in south Texas since early March. His attorney, Corey Sullivan Martin, highlighted the family’s significant distress as they navigated the detention process.
ICE Grants Release Following Advocacy Efforts
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) granted the Henao Jimenez family their release approximately one week after Martin’s request and just days after NBC News spotlighted their situation. The move came as a relief for the family and their supporters.
Community Support for Diver’s Education
The principal of Diver’s elementary school had submitted a letter in mid-March endorsing the family’s release, praising Diver as a dedicated student with strong attendance and excellent grades. Sullivan-Martin emphasized Diver’s eagerness to return to school, participate in gifted classes, and resume practicing his spelling.
Concerns Over Conditions in Detention Facilities
The Dilley facility has faced significant criticism from immigration advocates who argue that children often lack adequate medical care and educational resources. Reports indicate that issues like constant lighting and a guarded environment may hinder the well-being of detained youths. Families have also complained about subpar food and prolonged waits for healthcare.
Additional Advocacy for Detained Children
Accurso, who is recognized for her signature pink headband and delightful songs, has called for the closure of the Dilley facility and the release of families into the community. Diver, during his conversation with Accurso, expressed not only his desire to reconnect with friends but also his concerns regarding the quality of food provided at the detention center. His primary focus, however, remained on whether he would be able to attend the New Mexico Spelling Bee in May, where he qualified by placing third in the regional competition.
