Ecuador Says Ossining Teen Snatched Up By ICE Had No Gang Activity

OSSINING, NY — Government officials in Ecuador have said the Ossining student picked up by immigration on the day of his prom had no involvement in gang activity in Ecuador. A second stay of removal was filed by Diego Puma Macancela’s attorneys because the high school senior was trying to flee from those gangs.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials denied the 19-year-old’s wish to remain in America because they said he was involved with gangs, the Journal News said.

There were classmates and others outside Ossining High School Friday showing their support for the senior.

[Get Patch’s Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts here.]

Macancela was removed from his home by ICE agents June 9, the day of his senior prom.

He was moved to the same detention center in which his mother was being held.

Macancela and his mother came across the border in Texas three years ago. They were detained and released, and then applied for asylum. In 2016, their application was denied and a deportation order issued.

Read the Journal News story here.

Patch file photo.