Esdrás Comes Home

The 18-year-old Wilbur Cross student who was detained by ICE in July as part of a workplace raid was finally released from detention on Tuesday, according to his lawyer and local immigration advocates.

The news of Esdrás Zabaleta-Ramirez’s release comes after the rising junior, whom agents picked up on July 21, spent 44 days in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention. Last week, a federal immigration judge granted Zabaleta-Ramirez a $1,500 bond — the lowest amount possible — after concluding that there was ​“no danger, no flight risk” associated with his release. 

“I am happy to be free,” Zabaleta-Ramirez is quoted as saying in a Tuesday press release, sent out by CT Students for a Dream announcing his release. ​“I can’t believe it. Thank you to everyone who helped support me.”

The Guatemala native has lived in the United States since late 2023. His arrest by ICE has seen the local community show up in droves — as his teachers, peers, local advocates, and city officials have rallied to support someone who they have characterized as ​“extraordinary,” a ​“remarkably hard worker,” and a ​“beloved member of the community.”

Zabaleta-Ramirez’s attorney Christina Colón Williams confirmed his release and said that some members of the local community got together to pick him up from the detention center he was being held at in Plymouth, Mass. Colón Williams said that Zabaleta-Ramirez’s bond was able to be posted with the help of funds raised by advocates on his behalf. 

CT Students for a Dream Executive Director Tabitha Sookdeo is quoted in Tuesday’s press release as stating, ​“We’re focused on Esdrás’s wellbeing. Our priority is ensuring a successful transition back into high school.” 

Now, Zabaleta-Ramirez and his attorney are able to continue fighting to keep the 18-year-old in the United States outside of a detention center. Colón Williams has previously described Zabaleta-Ramirez’s eligibility for relief, as he has begun a process through juvenile court under the qualification of being a ​“minor under 21” without support from his parents who cannot return to his home country. The legal process could culminate in Zabaleta-Ramirez being issued a green card.