'Someone Who Belongs Here Is Missing,' School Board President Says As Glen Ellyn Student, Dad Detained By ICE

GLEN ELLYN, IL — Glen Ellyn School District 41 Board President Dr. Robert Bruno shared a statement Monday after the news became public that a district student named Steven and his father, Victor Romero Martinez had been detained by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in December.

Bruno said the father and son were taken by ICE after "reporting to a scheduled appointment to further their asylum application." They are currently being held at Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas, where Bruno said he visited the boy.

"Steven’s forced removal from his mother, school classmates, and teachers damages our educational community," Bruno wrote "And this stands in stark contrast to the many gracious acts of welcoming I have seen for the newcomers among us."

He continued, "Our schools always strive to be warm embracing spaces where belonging is realized one smile and kind word at a time. They are shelters. Places of becoming. Between the opening and closing school bell, lives get enriched; the future becomes possible; relationships are forged."

In particular, the relationship developed between teacher and student is unlike any other," Bruno wrote. "It is a form of moral beauty. An act that inspires collective awe. We have all seen it. Sadly, and inexplicably, Steven has had that connection frayed. A thousand miles and endless grey walls now keep a young boy separated from the teachers who share an unwavering desire to educate and care for him."

Bruno said he traveled to the detention center to meet with Steven "[w]ith mom’s blessing."

"I needed to put eyes on one of our children in distress," Bruno wrote.

"After meeting for nearly four hours with Steven, I saw a spark of hope in him where before too much doubt resided. A person can only do so much; but I feel compelled to do as much as I can."

He concluded, "I deeply believe we are one community. But until all our children joyfully walk our school halls, we are not whole. Someone who belongs here is missing."