In a shocking turn of events in Pennsylvania, Darwin Contreras, a 27-year-old man originally from El Salvador, was detained by federal agents during a routine court appearance. Contreras, who has called the United States home since he was just 7 years old, had once been honored by former President Barack Obama as part of the President’s Education Awards Program.
His wife, Elizabeth DeJesus, shared with Newsweek that Darwin was a proud recipient of this award dated January 2012, highlighting his academic and personal achievements during Obama’s presidency.
“Growing up, he showed so much potential in athletics, especially soccer, but circumstances forced him to drop out in his senior year to support himself. Instead, he shifted to track and field, pushing the limits and inspiring his teammates to give their all,” DeJesus recounted.
After high school, Contreras continued to display tenacity through hard work at various jobs, even becoming a father. He had recently married DeJesus, 22, in March and both had been employed at the same restaurant while he navigated the process of applying for citizenship.
However, this journey took a grim turn when ICE agents took him into custody following a court hearing for a DUI charge. According to Tricia McLaughlin from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Contreras has a history of convictions for theft and marijuana possession, which led to his detention.
“He openly admitted to law enforcement that he is undocumented, which has complicated his situation even further,” McLaughlin noted.
This incident coincides with a broader push from the current White House to implement what it terms the “largest deportation operation” in U.S. history, reflective of President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies.
DeJesus painted a harrowing picture of Darwin’s past, recounting the traumatic experiences he encountered during migration, where he faced dangers and witnessed tragedies during both of his border crossings.
His first journey toward the U.S. came with intense struggles, and upon his second attempt, authorities placed him in a foster home after detaining him instead of reuniting him with his mother. He eventually found stability in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he remained committed to his education and sports, even earning accolades like the Presidential Fitness Award from Obama during middle school.
As a couple navigates the uncertainty of Darwin’s detention, DeJesus described the emotional toll it has taken on him. “He’s been struggling to adapt; mentally, it’s been quite tough for him,” she expressed.
While they wait for a hearing date, DeJesus is tirelessly advocating for his release, hoping that their long-established ties to the U.S. and contributions to their community will count towards a more favorable outcome for her husband.
