ICE issues statement on detention of Hancock High students

HANCOCK COUNTY, Miss. (WXXV)- New details are coming in for the case of two Hancock High students who are being held in ICE custody due to a visa issue.

ICE officials are now responding to the matter.

As we’ve reported, 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, were taken into ICE custody at a Diamondhead bus stop on April 21.

The case has caused concern for their host family and many in the Hancock County community over the past week.

In a statement sent to WXXV this morning, ICE officials say “On April 21, 2026, ICE detained Israel Makoka, an adult, and Max Makoka his teenage sibling from the Republic of Congo because they violated their student visas by failing to attend classes at Piney Woods School. “

“They were granted the opportunity to participate in a student exchange program.  However, they failed to attend that school.  Because they violated their visas, they are subject to removal.”

WXXV’s Megan Fayard is speaking to their host mother and others who know the Makoka brothers Wednesday and we’ll have much more on WXXV News 25 at 6 p.m.