News Summary

Derlis Snaider Chusin Toaquiza, a 19-year-old student from Grover Cleveland High School in Queens, was detained by ICE during his immigration court hearing. Toaquiza, originally from Ecuador and seeking asylum with his family, has faced disruptions in his education due to his detention. The event has provoked significant community concern and public protests, raising questions about due process and immigration enforcement. As his hearing approaches, the hope remains that he can resume his education and future aspirations.

Queens High School Student Detained by ICE During Immigration Court Hearing

In a troubling incident that has sent ripples through the community, a 19-year-old high school student from Queens, Derlis Snaider Chusin Toaquiza, has been detained by ICE during his immigration court hearing. Toaquiza, a dedicated student at Grover Cleveland High School, was just beginning to spread his wings, trying out for the varsity soccer team, training to become a lifeguard, and studying hard for his upcoming Regents exam.

Background

Toaquiza is originally from Ecuador and arrived in the United States with his family in March 2024. They have been seeking asylum, escaping discrimination faced as members of the indigenous Ponzaleo tribe. Unfortunately, during a recent scheduled immigration hearing, Toaquiza found himself in a predicament when his phone broke, leading to a heartbreaking separation from his family after their respective hearings.

After being detained on June 4, 2025, in a Manhattan federal court, the young student filed a lawsuit just two days later, claiming that his due process rights were violated. While the basis for his detention is not explicitly outlined in his lawsuit, the documents indicate that he was included in his parents’ asylum application, which adds another layer of complexity to this already challenging situation.

Community Impact

As the second New York City public school student to find himself in ICE custody, Toaquiza’s detention has stirred a wave of concern among classmates, teachers, and school officials. According to Grover Cleveland High School Principal Marc Pascente, Toaquiza’s absence is not just felt emotionally by his peers but is also creating disruptions in their learning environment. Many have come to view him as a figure who embodies hope and perseverance for his bright future.

This young man is not just a student; he is also a caring older brother, responsible for picking up his younger siblings from school and cooking meals for them. His family remained unaware of his situation for several days until they finally confirmed he was in ICE custody after he was entered into a federal database.

Legal Proceedings and Support

Toaquiza’s legal fight is heating up, with a hearing for his case scheduled for Friday. Currently, he is being held in an ICE facility in Texas, far from where he called home. Just about two weeks later, his family managed to deposit money into his commissary at the detention center. Reports indicate that detainees often have a hard time accessing essential items, including clean clothes, which raises serious questions about the conditions within these facilities.

Public Response

The news of Toaquiza’s detention has sparked protests at New York City’s immigration court as activists raise their voices against ICE’s actions during legal appointments. Several local elected officials have publicly expressed outrage, labeling his detention as a nightmare for families and a reflection of the broader issues within immigration enforcement. Such comments underscore a growing concern that such tactics could dissuade immigrants from attending necessary legal appointments for fear of arrest.

City Hall officials have acknowledged that situations like Toaquiza’s compromise the safety of the community, creating an atmosphere of fear that stops individuals from utilizing public resources, including education. As he awaits his hearing, the hope is that justice will prevail and that this young man can return to his studies and resume the bright future that lay before him.

As this story unfolds, the support from the community continues to grow stronger, shedding light on the importance of due process and the rights of all individuals within the immigration system. The case of Derlis Snaider Chusin Toaquiza is a crucial moment for many, highlighting not only his struggle but also the challenges faced by countless families navigating the complexities of our immigration system.

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