High School Graduation Protest: Students Rally for Classmate Detained by ICE

Meriden High School Graduation Marked by Protest After ICE Detains Student A wave of emotion swept through Francis T. Maloney High School in Meriden, Connecticut, on Tuesday night as students graduated. The joyous occasion was overshadowed by the absence of Kevin Rosero Moreno, a senior detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) days before the ceremony. His classmates responded by staging a peaceful protest, holding signs and visibly demonstrating their support for their missing friend. "He was a kind guy, he was nice, he was intelligent," said Yandel Fernandez, a fellow graduating senior, describing Kevin. "He always did his homework on everything. So I feel really bad because he's not here." The protest served as a powerful visual representation of the students' solidarity and their frustration over the circumstances surrounding Kevin's detention. The details surrounding Kevin and his father's arrest remain unclear. They were taken into custody last week during an immigration hearing in Hartford. Meriden Mayor Kevin Scarpati stated that both are believed to be safe and comfortable in a Texas facility, while city leaders are working with state and federal officials to secure Kevin's release. Despite the uncertainty, the graduation ceremony became a symbol of resilience and community support. The empty seat reserved for Kevin served as a poignant reminder of the impact of immigration policies on families and communities. The students' protest, a display of unity and empathy, offered a message of hope amidst the difficult circumstances.