NY superintendent delivers diploma to ICE-detained student in Guatemala
Mar 19, 2026·Location: Nassau County, NY
Country of origin: Guatemala
Alvaro Velasquez, a high school senior at Roosevelt Schools in Nassau County, New York, was detained by ICE in May 2025 weeks before graduation. He was held at a detention center in Texas for several months before self-deporting to Guatemala. Superintendent Dr. Shawn Wightman traveled to Guatemala at his own expense to deliver Velasquez's cap, gown, and diploma in person after being denied access to him at the detention facility.
Timeline
Sep 2025—Superintendent Shawn Wightman denied access to Velasquez at detention facility
May 2025—Alvaro Velasquez detained by ICE weeks before graduation
May 2025—Velasquez transferred to detention center in Texas
May 2025—Velasquez self-deported to Guatemala before graduation
May 2025—Superintendent Wightman traveled to Guatemala and delivered diploma, cap, and gown to Velasquez in person
Sources
- New York superintendent delivers diploma to student who self-deported to Guatemala before graduation
abc7.com·Mar 21, 2026·archived copy
- Nassau Co. superintendent delivers diploma to Alvaro Velasquez, who self-deported
abc7ny.com·Mar 20, 2026·archived copy
- Roosevelt High School student detained by ICE ahead of graduation to self deport to Guatemala
abc7ny.com·Sep 16, 2025·archived copy
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