Inside a Pennsylvania courtroom on Monday, it was a small step forward in the fight to free Dylan Contreras.

The 20-year-old Bronx student, who was detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement a couple of weeks ago, is now at the center of a growing legal battle.

What You Need To Know

  • Dylan Contreras, a 20-year-old Bronx student who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement a couple of weeks ago, is now at the center of a growing legal battle

  • City Hall entered the case too, filing a federal brief saying Contreras’ arrest punishes those who follow the rules. It’s one of the first times the Adams administration has stepped into an individual immigration case

  • Contreras showed up to an immigration court hearing alone, without counsel. After the federal government dismissed his case, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested him outside the courtroom

“I think people are starting to realize what was once. Let’s go after criminals [have] changed,” Power Malu, executive director of Artist, Athletes, Activists, said.

One of the first people to rally to his side was Malu, a longtime immigrant rights organizer who’s helped thousands of asylum seekers get legal and medical support.

“We cannot stand idly by and watch our immigrant community, who is backbone and the fabric of our city, be tricked, trapped and kidnapped by ICE,” Malu said.

Contreras showed up to an immigration court hearing alone, without counsel. After the federal government dismissed his case, ICE arrested him outside the courtroom.

Attorneys from New York Legal Assistance Group are now representing him.

Also on Monday, City Hall entered the case too, filing a federal brief saying Contreras’ arrest punishes those who follow the rules. It’s one of the first times the Adams administration has stepped into an individual immigration case.

“They have moved him around in multiple detention centers around the country from Louisiana, Texas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey,” Malu said.

Contreras' attorneys say he was pursuing medical care before he was detained, and now his family fears he’s missing crucial care.

The judge has denied his release, saying his medical documents haven’t been fully reviewed.

“The mom is distraught. She’s worried about him, because Dylan also has health conditions,” Malu said.

Contreras has since passed a “credible fear” interview, an early asylum hurdle, meaning he won’t be deported for now.

“They’re feeling anxious. They’re feeling worried,” Malu said.

Contreras' team says it could decide to refile for his release once the court and ICE review his medical records.

Editor's Note: This story was updated to clarify the medical care Contreras was pursuing.