Family's Asylum Application Under Review as Advocates Condemn ICE's Handling of Minor Case

A 13-year-old boy residing in Everett, Massachusetts, has sparked growing controversy after being arrested and detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). On the 18th, CNN reported that Arthur Bertu, the son of a Brazilian asylum-seeking family, was taken into custody by ICE without prior notice and is currently detained at an immigration detention facility in Virginia.

According to the report, the boy's mother, Jorgeley Bertu, received a call from Everett police on the 16th informing her that her son had been arrested. She went directly to the police station but was ultimately unable to take her child home. After waiting for over an hour, she was only informed by police that "ICE had already taken Arthur," without being given any specific reason or destination.

The Bertu family entered the U.S. in 2021 and was in the process of applying for asylum. Their attorney told CNN, "This appears to be the first case where ICE directly took a minor from the Everett Police Department." There were previous cases of Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil, who led pro-Palestinian protests, and Georgetown University researcher Bader Khan Suri being transferred to facilities in Louisiana and Texas, but all involved adults.

Following the incident, Trisha McLaughlin, deputy minister at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), claimed on social media X that "the boy has a prior record of dangerous weapon attacks, assault, and burglary, and was in possession of a firearm and knife at the time of arrest." Everett City Council member Katie Rogers submitted a resolution demanding a correction, calling the DHS's claim about firearm possession "clear misinformation." The attorney criticized, "It is inappropriate for the government to publicly mention charges in a minor's case," adding, "He is 13 years old, not 31. Every suspect has the right to due process."

According to CNN, Arthur has called his mother from two ICE facilities, reportedly breaking down in tears and saying, "I want to go home." The mother stated, "My son was on a break from school due to a leg fracture, and on that day, he left to take a bus to a friend's house when he was arrested." She added, "My second son, who is 10 years old, keeps asking when his brother will call and where he is. This incident, occurring before the asylum process is complete, has deepened our fear."

ICE Detains 13-Year-Old Brazilian Boy Amid Asylum Process