It was supposed to be a routine immigration check-in, but instead a 16-year-old boy ended up in federal custody.

“This is about an unlawful arrest and detention of a child who has lawful status here in the country and cannot be detained under the constitution and the laws of this country,” Elizabeth Gyori, who’s representing the teen, and is a senior staff attorney at the New York City Liberties Union, said.

What You Need To Know

The New York City Liberties Union and The Door filed an emergency lawsuit after the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained the Bronx high school junior identified in court papers only as "EJCC"

His attorneys say he has special immigration juvenile status

The Department of Homeland Security says a federal judge ordered their removal in February 2024

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