Maykol Bogoya‑Duarte, an 18‑year‑old junior at Western International High School in Detroit, has faced a crushing setback: an appeal to delay his deportation and remain in the U.S. long enough to graduate was denied. Having immigrated from Colombia roughly two and a half years ago, he now stands just 3.5 credits shy of earning his high school diploma.

During a May school field trip, Bogoya‑Duarte drove himself and three classmates to Lake Erie Metropark. He was pulled over near Rockwood for driving without a license and only possessing a City of Detroit ID. Language barriers reportedly led local police to call Border Patrol, which confirmed his undocumented status and final deportation order—resulting in his detainment by ICE.

He was initially held in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula before being transferred to an ICE processing center in Louisiana, where deportation is believed to be imminent. Despite support from his family, teachers, and a petition backed by more than 1,600 signatures, ICE denied his request for a stay of removal.

The Detroit Public Schools Community District’s board unanimously issued a statement demanding his release so he can finish school before leaving the country. Community advocates echoed that Maykol arrived as a minor, worked a hotel job to support himself, and showed steady academic progress. They argue that deportation now would separate him from classmates, teachers, and a community that has embraced him.

Local lawmakers, including state senators and U.S. Representative Shri Thanedar, have publicly called on ICE to allow Maykol to graduate, citing his strong character and dedication to his education. Advocacy groups like the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center and the Skillman Foundation are also mobilizing in support, urging a pause on deportation until after graduation.

As the school year concludes, the tension grows: one day he’s ready to walk across the stage in June; the next, he may be boarding a flight back to Colombia. His legal team continues to seek relief, but with the clock ticking, Maykol Douglas‑Duarte and his supporters are left waiting for a possible last-minute reprieve.

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