Rally held to demand release of LAUSD student in ICE custody for nearly 3 months

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Community members and educators continue to push for the release of an LAUSD student who has been in ICE custody for nearly three months.

Benjamin Marcelo Guerrero-Cruz was about to begin his senior year at Reseda Charter High School. But on Aug. 8, he was taken off the street by masked federal agents while he was walking his dog in Van Nuys.

On Monday, a rally was held at the school district's headquarters in downtown Los Angeles to demand the 18-year-old's immediate release.

LAUSD teachers and community members demanded the release of a high school senior who has spent nearly two weeks in federal custody.

One of the teen's former teachers, who has been able to visit and speak with him, gave an update on his condition.

"He's as well as anyone can be who's unjustly detained," said Lizette Becerra. "He's anxious to get out. You know, he's in there in a suit like a prisoner... He was five days over 18 when he was detained. It's not a place for a kid. He's a kid. He should be in the classroom."

"He's anxious to be out of there and continue his high school education," she added.

Guerrero-Cruz is being held at the Adelanto Detention Center.