Community concerned after two Hancock High foreign exchange students taken by ICE

HANCOCK COUNTY, Miss. (WXXV) — Two Hancock High School foreign exchange students are in ICE custody due to alleged issues with their student visas — an issue causing confusion and concern among the community.

On April 21, everything changed for brothers Israel and Max Makoka — exchange students from The Republic of the Congo who for years had been living in the United States on F-1 visas. Host mother Gail Baptiste says they were taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement while waiting on their school bus in Diamondhead on that seemingly random Tuesday.

Fifteen-year-old Max and 18-year-old Israel transferred to Hancock High School in the Kiln, and during the transition their visa status unknowingly changed. Since being detained by ICE, Max and Israel have allegedly been separated and their futures remain uncertain.

Israel and Max Makoka (Photos courtesy of the Baptiste family)

Israel and Max Makoka (Photos courtesy of the Baptiste family)

Israel and Max Makoka (Photos courtesy of the Baptiste family)

Israel and Max Makoka (Photos courtesy of the Baptiste family)

Israel and Max Makoka (Photos courtesy of the Baptiste family)

Congressman Mike Ezell released the following statement regarding the incident:

“I’m aware of the situation involving two students who attend Hancock High School who were picked up by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and I know this has raised serious concerns in the community. My office is closely monitoring the situation and remains in contact with the appropriate agencies to better understand the circumstances. We will continue working to ensure that laws are enforced responsibly while also recognizing the impact these situations have on families and communities.”

We have reached out to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for more information, but as of now we have not heard back.

We will have more on this story and you’ll get a chance to hear from host mother Gale Baptiste on WXXV News 25 on Wednesday at 6 p.m.