Israel and Max Makoka, two brothers from the Republic of Congo, have been released from immigration detention after more than a week in custody. The teens were arrested by ICE on April 21 while waiting for a school bus in Diamondhead, Mississippi, and were separated across two states. They have now been reunited with their host parents, Gail and Cliff Baptiste, and will fight to remain in the United States.
Israel spoke to the Mississippi Free Press after being reunited with his brother in Texas. 'God is consistent,' he said. 'It’s a blessing to be around a community who cares about you.' Gail Baptiste expressed relief and gratitude for the widespread support, including messages, prayers, and intervention from local officials, senators, and the mayor of Diamondhead.
The brothers entered the U.S. legally on F-1 student visas but fell out of status after transferring from Piney Woods Country Life School to Hancock High School. ICE stated that their detention was due to failing to attend classes at Piney Woods. The intervention of U.S. Sens. Cindy Hyde-Smith and Roger Wicker led to their release from facilities in Louisiana and Texas.
Israel was held at the Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center, a privately-run detention camp, while Max was in an Office of Refugee Resettlement group home in Houston. Their release does not resolve their immigration status, and they still face potential deportation. However, they will now fight their case from home with pro bono legal counsel.
The case galvanised the Mississippi Gulf Coast community, with over 3,100 people signing a petition for their release. Students held a ceremony to honour the brothers, and media attention helped build momentum. Despite the release, the brothers face an uphill legal battle to remain in the U.S.
