Community concerned as Hancock High exchange students in ICE custody

HANCOCK COUNTY, Miss. (WXXV) — It’s been just over a week since two Hancock High School foreign exchange students were taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement due to unknowingly losing their legal visa status, and the community is fighting to bring them back home.

The Hancock County community has been hit hard by the sudden turn of events. The Hancock Hawks are especially feeling the hole left behind as the Makoka brothers – 18-year-old Israel and 15-year-old Max – are stars on the basketball team.

We also spoke with Diamondhead Mayor Anna Leise who says this isn’t something they have ever dealt with in Diamondhead, but the community is standing behind the Makokas, hoping they are able to come back home.

On Wednesday, Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith released a statement noting that they are working with Max and Israel’s guardians and they will continue monitoring the situation, working toward the best possible solution within the law.

Just one day prior, Representative Mike Ezell stated on social media that his office is also closely monitoring the situation, staying in contact with the appropriate agencies and working to ensure that laws are enforced responsibly while recognizing the impact these situations have on families and communities.