PORTLAND, Maine — Organizers of Kennedy Park Pickup Soccer in Portland say they’re shocked, and several members are scared, after learning that one of their teenage players, 16‑year‑old Joel Andre, and his family are being held by U.S. immigration authorities.

Andre, originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, joined the club in February of last year. Organizers say he quickly stood out both for his talent on the field and his warm character.

“He’s one of those guys that whenever he comes by everybody’s always elated to see him,” Matheus Santana, one of the club's organizers, said about Andre.

Another organizer, Anthony Fiori, said the recent events have hit their group hard.

“When we first heard the news, we were in a state of shock for a while,” Fiori said. "He's just very

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