Southern Connecticut State University student arrested by ICE released
South Sudan native Deng Deng, who was arrested by ICE agents on Sept. 4, was released Wednesday. The Department of Homeland Security had said he legally entered the country but "illegally overstayed."
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A Southern Connecticut State University student who was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement over Labor Day Weekend at Tweed New Haven Airport has been released from immigration detention, officials with Connecticut Students for a Dream, an immigrations rights organization, said.
South Sudan native Deng Deng, who was arrested by ICE agents on Sept. 4, was released Wednesday. The Department of Homeland Security had said he legally entered the country but "illegally overstayed."
Immigration advocates say the freshman and member of the school's basketball team has also returned to the state and resumed his studies.
In a statement, the 19-year-old thanked those who helped him during "this difficult time." He added that he is focused on catching up on his classes and playing basketball. Deng also asked for privacy.
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker described Deng release as wonderful news.
"Our students and residents should be able to go to school, work, travel and go about their lives freely and without fear from unwarranted ICE raids that are targeting folks who, by all accounts, are productive members of our community. As a city, we will continue to be a welcoming and inclusive place for all, and we will continue to do everything legally within our power to protect our residents, defend their rights and stand up to the Trump Administration’s inhumane immigration policies," Elicker said.
