ICE releases NYC student Dylan Lopez Contreras 10 months after his arrest sparked protests
The first New York City public school student arrested by federal immigration officials under the Trump administration's crackdown has been released 10 months after his detention sparked protests.
Dylan Lopez Contreras, a student from Venezuela who attended school in the Bronx, was released from a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Pennsylvania on Wednesday morning and was heading back to his family in the city, two advocates with ROCC NYC said Wednesday.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed in a statement, in part, that Contreras has been released with a GPS tracking device.
"He will receive full due process. If a judge finds he has no right to remain in the U.S., he will be swiftly removed," the statement added.
Contreras' arrest
Contreras was 20 years old and had no criminal history when he was arrested on May 21, 2025, after showing up for an asylum hearing at federal immigration court in Lower Manhattan. He was enrolled at Ellis Prep High School, which serves immigrant students and English language learners.
At the time, DHS said Contreras was subject to expedited removal and ICE called him "an illegal alien from Venezuela who illegally entered the U.S. more than one year ago. Under the Biden administration, he was encountered at the border and released into the country."
Days after Contreras was arrested, nearly two dozen people were arrested outside the immigration court as protesters and police officers clashed around the barricades.
Last June, the Adams administration filed a legal challenge against ICE seeking Contreras' immediate release.
Reaction to Contreras' release
Contreras' attorneys said their client entered the U.S. legally.
"As legal advocates, we know all too well just how many more people are still out there, remain unjustly detained, risk separation from loved ones, or spend each day living in fear and uncertainty under this current political climate," said Melissa Chua of NYLAG.
"Dylan's life was unjustly interrupted, his young adulthood put on hold by a broken immigration system that tore him from his family. We have witnessed firsthand what an exceptional person he is. His extraordinary grit, fortitude and resilience in the face of this horrific situation are inspiring," a statement said from co-directors Power Malu and Candice Braun said.
"All glory and honor belong to God, who opened doors and made the impossible possible," said Raiza Contreras, Dylan's mother. "I am grateful to everyone who, in one way or another, played a part in offering support and strength, and were always there. Very soon, my son will be back with his siblings and me—it is both a relief and a blessing."
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said in a statement the city "is overjoyed that Dylan has finally been released."
"What should have been a time for him to focus on finishing high school instead became 10 long months of isolation, after he was taken into custody at what was supposed to be a routine immigration hearing last May," Mamdani said.
"It's a profound relief to see Dylan finally on his way home. He's been deeply missed by his family and school community, and his strength through this unimaginable time is not something any child should have to bear. Time meant for learning, laughter, and growth, was taken from him, and we stand firm and united against the unlawful detention of young people. With the support of Project Open Arms, we will ensure Dylan has a supported transition back to school, while continuing our unwavering commitment to protect every student, in every classroom," New York City Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels said in a statement.
"We are overjoyed that Dylan is finally able to return home, where he should have been for the last nearly 10 months he's spent unjustly detained for simply following the rules," said New York Legal Assistance Group attorney Kate Fetrow.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement that Contreras "did everything right, he entered legally, worked to support his family and enrolled in school, and he should have never been detained."
"I am glad the administration has heeded my calls and righted this wrong, but there are many more families like Dylan's that have been torn apart because of ICE," Schumer added.
