9-year-old who pleaded to go to spelling bee is released from ICE detention
9-year-old who pleaded to go to spelling bee is released from ICE detention
A 9-year-old boy from Colombia, Deiver Henao Jimenez, was released from ICE detention this week, joining his family after pleading to be freed so he could participate in his state spelling bee. His lawyer, Corey Sullivan Martin, confirmed the decision, stating that the child’s request was central to his release. The family had been held at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in South Texas since early March, following a routine immigration check-in in New Mexico, according to their legal representative.
Deiver’s plea came during a video call with children’s entertainer Ms. Rachel, whose full name is Rachel Accurso. “I don’t want to stay here anymore,” the boy said in the session, which was later posted online. “Nothing feels good here.” The call highlighted his longing to return to school and his concern about missing the New Mexico state spelling bee, which he had secured a spot in by placing third at a regional competition. Sullivan Martin emphasized that the child’s eagerness to attend the event underscored the urgency of his release.
His school principal submitted a letter in mid-March supporting the family’s case, describing Deiver as a “high-achieving student with consistent attendance and strong academic performance.” The document was shared with immigration officials, contributing to the decision to free the family. Sullivan Martin noted that Deiver is excited to rejoin his gifted and talented classes and resume his spelling practice. “It’s baffling that a child who is doing exactly what we expect from students was detained,” the lawyer remarked.
The release followed a request filed by Sullivan Martin a week prior and occurred days after NBC News reported on the family’s situation. Deiver’s case gained attention alongside another child, Gael, a 5-year-old with developmental disabilities who had been detained at Dilley. Gael’s parents reported worsening medical conditions while he was held, prompting criticism of the facility’s care standards.
“I don’t see how it was necessary at all to detain a child who was doing exactly what we want children to do,” Sullivan Martin said.
The Dilley facility has drawn increasing scrutiny from immigration advocates, who argue that detained children face challenges accessing proper education and medical attention. Reports mention inadequate food and long delays for health care, though the Department of Homeland Security claims families receive suitable treatment in the facility. Ms. Rachel, known for her upbeat style and signature pink headband, has been a vocal advocate for the children, urging the shutdown of Dilley and their return to communities.
“We’re trying to get a child out of a jail to do a spelling bee,” Accurso said last week. “I just never thought those words would go together.”
Deiver’s release came a day after another child was freed from Dilley, following similar attention-grabbing video interactions. The family now plans to return to New Mexico, where they will continue their immigration process while maintaining regular check-ins with officials. Mike Hixenbaugh, a senior investigative reporter for NBC News based in Maryland, authored the book “They Came for the Schools.”
