Massachusetts high school student detained by ICE invited to President Trump’s State of the Union

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) announced Thursday that he has invited Massachusetts teen Marcelo Gomes da Silva to attend this year’s State of the Union as his guest. 

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained Marcelo, a Milford High School student, in May 2025 while Marcelo was driving his father’s car to volleyball practice. Agents were initially seeking his father Joao Paulo Gomes-Pereira, who is unlawfully present in the U.S. and has a history of reckless driving, including speeding over 100 mph in residential areas. Instead, Marcelo—who has no criminal history—was taken into custody and held for nearly a week at the ICE field office in Burlington, Massachusetts. He was later moved to Plymouth, under poor conditions, reportedly sleeping on a cement floor and sharing a single toilet with about 40 others and no access to a shower. He also reported health issues, including flu-like symptoms, anxiety, and possible concussion symptoms from a prior volleyball game.

At the time of his detention, Marcelo was on a student visa that lapsed without his knowledge. An immigration judge later granted him a $2,000 bond after determining he was not a danger to the community.

On June 1st, hundreds, including graduates in caps and gowns, marched from Milford High School’s graduation to Town Hall, chanting “Free Marcelo.” On June 2nd, students staged a walkout, wearing white and holding signs in solidarity. A fundraiser has raised nearly $40,000 to cover legal and family expenses.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey called Gomes da Silva’s arrest “disturbing and outrageous,” demanding answers from ICE. U.S. Senator Ed Markey and Representative Jake Auchincloss also called for his release.

ICE maintains Gomes da Silva was subject to removal proceedings due to his undocumented status, despite not being the original target.

Moulton states that since his experience inside the detention facility, Marcelo has maintained a commitment that he made to the other men he shared a cell with: that he would be a voice for all immigrants who have been unfairly detained. 

I invited Marcelo to join me at the State of the Union because his story captures what’s broken in our immigration system right now,” said Congressman Moulton. “The outpouring of support that Marcelo received following his detainment wasn’t an accident. It happened because people know the kind of person that Marcelo is. He is exactly the kind of young person America should be investing in, not locking up. If we want to call ourselves a nation of opportunity, we should start by uplifting young people like Marcelo.”

“As an immigrant, being invited to the State of the Union is deeply meaningful,” said Marcelo Gomes da Silva. “I’m proud to represent the strength, faith, and hard work of my community. Thank you to Seth for this invite.”

The State of the Union will take place on the evening of February 24th.