LAUSD student taken into ICE custody pending removal

As thousands of students started their first day of school today in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), Benjamin Marcelo Guerrero-Cruz, a rising senior at Reseda High School, is detained at an immigration center. 

Witnesses said that on the morning of August 8, while Guerrero-Cruz was walking his dog in Van Nuys, he was taken by masked ICE agents who also unclipped his dog and let him run loose. 

The young man has been described by loved ones and friends not just as a good student, but also a pillar for his family. According to the GoFundMe page in his name. He is the oldest of four siblings and helps his mother take care of his six-year-old brother and five-month-old twins. He is described as “a devoted son, a caring brother, a loyal friend and a valued member” of the community, “with a kind heart, who has always stepped up for his family.”

Rita Silva and Valerie T, volunteers helping the family and witnesses of Guerrero-Cruz’ detention, said the student is at the detention center in Los Angeles.

“He now has counsel through the Immigrant Defenders Law Center. We are doing our best to identify his friends so that his story can be told by those who truly know him,” they said in the GoFundMe post. “We call upon mothers and educators of conscience to join with us and call for Benjamin’s immediate release and declare that our kids belong in classrooms, not cages!”

His friends have also been advocating on his behalf. Guerrero-Cruz plays soccer at his school and he’s known for being respectful, kind, and team spirit. 

He overstayed his visa

The 18-year-old student came from Chile, escaping crime and unsafe areas. 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded, saying Guerrero-Cruz overstayed his visa, which expired on March 15, 2023, “abusing the Visa Waiver Program under which he entered the United States.”

“He will remain in ICE custody pending removal,” said a DHS spokesperson. 

DHS said undocumented people can self-deport through the CBP Home App where they can get $1,000 and a free flight to their home country. 

“We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live [the] American dream,” said the DHS spokesperson. “If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return.”

LAUSD's new plans in place for immigrant students

In response to Guerrero-Cruz’ situation, the LAUSD affirmed that every child belongs in school and will do everything possible to keep campuses safe, supportive and welcoming for all. The district also stated that they have protocols in place to coordinate with contracted partners who can provide legal support to the student and their family. 

LAUSD highlighted its commitment to protect every student and family during this period of heightened immigration enforcement. 

“Working closely with city leaders and municipal partners, we have strengthened safety measures at and around our schools. This includes enhanced communication with various entities, visible presence in impacted communities and rapid-response protocols should enforcement activity occur,” said an LAUSD spokesperson. 

The district has the We Are One campaign, where families have 24/7 access to Know Your Rights resources, legal referrals, mental health services and a dedicated Family Hotline. 

Additionally, they created a Family Preparedness Packet—available in multiple languages—to help families understand what to do if approached by immigration officers. 

And students have access to transportation, as well as a Virtual Academy for those fearing to attend school in person.

“We will never ask about or share a student’s immigration status unless required by law, and we are committed to maintaining safe zones around our schools,” said the LAUSD spokesperson. 

The GoFundMe page under Guerrero-Cruz’s name is asking for donations to help pay for his legal services or help him financially if he is deported. Also, to pay for his mother’s living expenses and basic needs because she cannot safely work now or even leave home. 

Additionally, Guerrero-Cruz’s supporters are encouraging people to share his image and story and rally on his behalf. They ask the school community and elected officials to fight for him to be released and reunited with his younger siblings, classmates and soccer community.