by Donald Eng CTNewsJunkie
CHESHIRE, CT — Stuck in ICE detention after being seized on his way to school, a Cheshire High senior not only managed to assist his legal team in winning his release, he didn’t even fall behind on his homework.
The student, identified only as Rihan due to concerns about his family’s safety, was being driven to school by his uncle on April 6 when immigration officials boxed their car in. The 19-year-old ultimately ended up at a detention center in Plymouth, Mass. housed in a room with four other men.
“That we got a bond hearing, and that Rihan was released, this is what it means to have the rule of law,” Attorney General William Tong said Friday at a press conference at Cheshire Town Hall. “This is proof: We are not powerless. … We can take action. We can fight back.”
Rihan, who aspires to be a cardiologist, and his family are in the country on a humanitarian visa, according to state officials. This reflects his father’s service as a translator for U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
“What you and your family have endured is not fair, and I am so sorry that you have not received the warm, grateful welcome and clear path to residency that the federal government promised your father,” Gov. Ned Lamont said earlier this week when learning of Rihan’s release. “Connecticut is lucky to have you, and I have no doubt that one day, should you continue on your path to becoming a physician, patients will be lucky to have you too – steady hands, a bright mind, and a heart that already knows what it means to suffer and to persevere.”
State Rep. Liz Linehan speaks about ICE detaining a Cheshire High student on April 24 at Cheshire Town Hall. Credit: Donald Eng / CTNewsJunkie
State Rep. Liz Linehan, D-Cheshire, said it was unconscionable that a resident had been taken, but that she was thrilled that he was home.
“This is your home,” she said. “You belong here. We’re thrilled that you’re here and we’re very happy to have you.”
Linehan said Rihan’s family had risked their lives to assist Americans.
“And they didn’t take any of that into account when they stood outside his home and stalked him and his family in order to take him away,” she said.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal had similar sentiments.
“Neither he nor his father, Zia, should ever have been seized and incarcerated,” he said. “They are in America lawfully. In fact, they are here because they put their lives on the line in Afghanistan to help protect our troops.”
Rihan, who had applied for legal status last year and whose status is still pending, is currently on a humanitarian release until October. His attorney, Lauren Petersen, said the effort to secure permanent status for the family is underway and progressing along multiple avenues.