An 18-year-old high school student from Cheshire, Connecticut, has been released from an ICE detention center, but his future in the United States remains uncertain as deportation proceedings continue.
The teen, identified as Rihan, was freed earlier this week following a judge’s decision. Speaking at a press conference organized by immigration advocates, his uncle expressed gratitude to community members, educators, legal teams, and public officials who supported the effort to secure his release.
Rihan was taken into custody on April 6 due to what officials later described as incorrect immigration records. Although his humanitarian parole status was valid through October, an error in federal databases listed an earlier expiration date. Even after the mistake was corrected, authorities revoked his status, prompting legal challenges from his family and attorneys.
This incident follows a previous encounter with immigration authorities involving Rihan’s father, who was detained last year despite assisting U.S. forces in Afghanistan. The family had been granted humanitarian parole in 2024.
After his release, Rihan returned to school and is expected to graduate in June. Meanwhile, his legal team is pursuing multiple strategies to restore his immigration status, including actions in immigration and federal courts.
Supporters, including local leaders and teachers, say the family has already made significant sacrifices and should be allowed to remain in the community. Rihan’s next immigration hearing is scheduled for May 4 as the case continues.