ICE Releases Makoka Brothers After Mississippi Community Mobilizes for Their Return
Israel and Max Makoka, two brothers from the Republic of Congo, have been released from ICE custody after being detained for visa violations. The brothers, who were living in Diamondhead, Mississippi, were arrested on April 21 while waiting for their school bus. Their detention was due to a lapse in their student visa status after transferring schools. The community, including local politicians and over 3,100 petition signers, rallied for their release. U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith and Roger Wicker intervened, leading to their release. The brothers are now back with their host family, Gail and Cliff Baptiste, and are preparing for a legal battle to remain in the U.S. 
