Cheshire High School Student Detained By ICE: Officials

CHESHIRE, CT — A 19-year-old Cheshire High School student has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, according to officials.

The student was detained by ICE outside of his home on Monday, according to the office of U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal.

The student’s father is an interpreter who worked with U.S. forces in Afghanistan and was previously detained by ICE last year.

The student applied for legal residency last year, and the case was still pending at the time of his detainment, according to Connecticut House Democrats.

He has been transferred to the ICE detention facility in Plymouth, Massachusetts, according to Blumenthal’s office.

“I am furious & disgusted that ICE has arrested a Cheshire teen who came to the U.S. because his family helped our troops in Afghanistan,” Blumenthal said in a statement posted on X. “This family deserves protection, not prosecution. I am going to do everything I can to help this young man.”

State Reps. Liz Linehan and Jack Fazzino, both Democrats representing Cheshire, are joining Blumenthal and Gov. Ned Lamont for a press conference at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 10, on the north steps of the State Capitol.

The Cheshire Democratic state delegation, including Linehan (103rd District), Fazzino (83rd District), and State Sen. Jan Hochadel (13th District), released the following joint statement on Friday morning:

“This week, our community was shaken by the news that a 19-year-old Cheshire High School senior was taken into ICE custody. This deeply troubling situation comes less than one year after his father, who bravely supported U.S. forces as an interpreter in Afghanistan was also detained, drawing national attention.

“Both father and son followed the legal process and applied for permanent residency last year, and their case remains pending. Their story underscores the human impact of our immigration system and raises serious concerns about fairness, consistency, and compassion in its enforcement.

“No young person, especially one pursuing an education and contributing to their community, should have their future thrown into uncertainty while awaiting a legal decision. We must continue to push for an immigration system that honors due process, recognizes those who have supported our country, and treats every individual with dignity and respect.

“As elected leaders in Cheshire, we condemn this act, we stand with our federal officials and our student’s legal team in their efforts to rectify this situation, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to help secure his return home to Cheshire."