Mamadou Mouctar Diallo, a 20-year-old student from Brooklyn Frontiers High School, has been granted asylum and released from immigration detention, according to his legal representatives. His release on November 21, 2023, comes after months of advocacy and community support following his arrest during a routine immigration check in August.
Mouctar, originally from Guinea, was detained at 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan. His arrest ignited outrage and protests, drawing attention from local officials and community advocates. Teachers, members of the City Council, and several organizations rallied for his release, emphasizing his status as a student and member of the community.
The situation escalated when members of New York’s Democratic congressional delegation sent an open letter to the Trump administration regarding Mouctar’s case among others. Additionally, the administration of Mayor Eric Adams submitted a letter in support of a bond hearing for him.
Last month, Mouctar was granted asylum based on his political opposition and ethnicity. His release from a Pennsylvania detention facility was timed just before the Thanksgiving holiday, allowing him to return to Brooklyn. He may not have immediate family nearby, but he has built a supportive network consisting of school administrators, including Principal Alona Cohen, and friends.
Nusrat Hussain, a staff attorney at The Legal Aid Society, noted that Mouctar is in “great spirits,” although he remains apprehensive about potential appeals from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary at DHS, previously remarked that Mouctar crossed the southern border as part of a migrant caravan in early 2023, along with 51 others.
Throughout his detention, Principal Cohen maintained regular contact with Mouctar and visited him multiple times, ensuring his connection to the school remained strong. Hussain highlighted that Mouctar was able to continue his education even while in detention, expressing his commitment to return to school in a letter to teachers and classmates.
Mouctar had been actively engaged in various programs, including a training initiative to become a security guard and a culinary program at a nearby Quakers meeting house. He emphasized his determination to make his school proud upon his return.
Brooklyn Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos expressed relief and excitement over Mouctar’s return, stating, “Mamadou should have been spending the last few months preparing for his senior year, exploring different post-graduation pathways, and enjoying his youth — not in ICE detention.” She recognized the importance of community support in his journey.
Mouctar’s case is not isolated; it reflects broader trends in New York City regarding immigration enforcement and its impact on public education. A recent analysis by Chalkbeat revealed a significant drop in enrollment at schools serving a high number of migrant families, highlighting the challenges faced by these communities.
Councilman Lincoln Restler, who represents Mouctar’s district, voiced his relief at the news of Mouctar’s release. He underscored the need for policies that protect students from being separated from their families and communities.
As Mouctar resumes his education, his story serves as a reminder of the human impact of immigration policies and the resilience of communities advocating for their members.
