After 10 months away from New York City behind bars, Dylan Contreras is officially home.
The 21-year-old high school student was able to be reunited with his family and community.
What You Need To Know
Dylan Contreras was the first New York City public school student to be detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He was taken after a routine immigration hearing last May
Contreras was given a conditional release on Wednesday after 10-months in detention of which most of it was spent at a facility in Pennsylvania
Among those welcoming the 21-year-old back on Thursday was his mom, the mayor and the governor
Flanked by his mother, Raiza Contreras, and community advocates, Contreras spoke about his experience for the first time.
“It was sad to be in there. I’ve seen all types of people that don’t deserve, we don’t deserve to be in there. I want to keep fighting for them, that’s what must be done,” he said.
Contreras was a freshman studying at Ellis Prep Academy in the Bronx when he was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials after leaving a routine immigration appointment last May.
Despite his 10-month ordeal, Contreras remains resilient.
“What I really want is for everyone, everyone who is still detained, to be freed. It’s unjust what we have experienced,” he said.
Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani also welcomed the high schooler back with open arms. Both officials have been critical of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement in the five boroughs.
In response, the Department of Homeland Security maintains in a statement that Contreras “illegally entered the U-S” from Venezuela and was released with a GPS tracking device.
The spokesperson wrote: “ICE arrested him on May 21, 2025, and placed him in removal proceedings. He will receive full due process. If a judge finds he has no right to remain in the U.S., he will be swiftly removed.”
But Contreras’ lawyers see it differently.
“Everyday people [have disappeared] without access to their friends, family to tell them where they are, lawyers to advise them and support them, and access to the due process they deserve. We must not normalize this,” Shani Adess, the vice president of the New York Legal Assistance Group, said
She said Contreras’ asylum case is still pending. the Bronx resident was given a conditional release while he awaits a final decision in his case. His lawyers argue Contreras came legally to the country and has been a model New Yorker.
Contreras said more than anything he’s grateful that the city and its officials never gave up on his case.
“Seriously, thank you so much, New York City,” he said.