9-year-old who pleaded to go to spelling bee is released from ICE detention

9-Year-Old Who Pleaded to Attend Spelling Bee Freed From ICE Detention

A 9-year-old boy, Deiver Henao Jimenez, was released from immigration detention following a plea to participate in his state spelling bee, according to his family’s attorney. The child, an asylum-seeker from Colombia, had been held at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in South Texas since early March after being detained during a routine check-in in New Mexico, the lawyer, Corey Sullivan Martin, stated.

Deiver made his request during a video call with children’s entertainer Ms. Rachel, whose full name is Rachel Accurso. “I don’t want to be here anymore,” he said in the session, which was later posted on Accurso’s social media. “Nothing is good here.” The moment sparked attention as the family sought to return to New Mexico, where they will continue engaging with immigration officials while their case is processed.

Humanitarian Parole and School Support

ICE granted the family release under humanitarian grounds just days after Sullivan Martin submitted a request for their freedom. The decision came after the boy’s elementary school principal wrote a letter mid-March advocating for his return, describing him as “a dedicated student with excellent attendance and high marks.” The principal’s note was shared with immigration authorities, emphasizing Deiver’s eagerness to rejoin his gifted and talented classes and resume spelling practice.

“I don’t see how it was necessary at all to detain a child who was doing exactly what we want children to do,” Sullivan Martin remarked.

The child’s relief was compounded by his desire to compete in New Mexico’s state spelling bee in May, having secured a position by placing third in a regional contest. This case, highlighted by Accurso, has drawn comparisons to other children in detention, including Gael, a 5-year-old with developmental disabilities.

Medical and Educational Concerns

Gael’s case gained traction after his family reported worsening medical conditions while he was held at Dilley. His parents described struggles with accessing timely care, alongside complaints from other families about poor food quality and lengthy waits for medical attention. The facility has faced growing criticism from advocates and legal experts, who argue that 24/7 lighting and constant officer presence hinder educational and health support for detained minors.

“We’re trying to get a child out of a jail to do a spelling bee,” Accurso said last week. “I just never thought those words would go together.”

Accurso, known for her signature pink headband and cheerful tone, has called for Dilley’s closure, urging the return of families to their communities. During the video call, Deiver shared his longing for friends and mentioned that the food at the center caused discomfort. His release coincided with that of another child, Gael, who had been detained for weeks.

The Department of Homeland Security has not yet responded to inquiries about the situation, but it maintains that families receive appropriate care within the facility’s design. Meanwhile, Deiver’s family looks forward to resuming their routine in New Mexico, with their case still under review.

Mike Hixenbaugh, a senior investigative reporter for NBC News based in Maryland, is also the author of “They Came for the Schools.”