Israel Makoka and Max Makoka Detained by ICE While Waiting for School Bus in Mississippi, Sparking Community Outrage

Two teenage brothers, Israel Makoka and Max Makoka, were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while waiting for their school bus in Diamondhead, Mississippi—an incident that has left their community shaken and searching for answers.

The brothers, ages 18 and 15, are originally from the Republic of the Congo and had been living in the United States on student visas. According to their host family, the teens were standing at their usual bus stop on the morning of April 21 when multiple unmarked vehicles arrived and agents took them into custody.

Detained at Bus Stop in Front of Classmates

Their host father, Cliff Baptiste, said he first noticed a suspicious vehicle lingering near their home and approached the driver. He was allegedly told the agent was looking for someone else.

Moments later, as the school bus arrived, several additional vehicles surrounded the area. Agents detained both brothers, reportedly zip-tying them in front of classmates and neighbors before taking them away.

“They have the boys,” a family member recalled being told as the situation unfolded.

No Charges Filed, Legal Status Questioned

Family members say neither Israel nor Max has been accused of any crime. They also maintain that both students were in the U.S. legally on F-1 student visas since 2023 and 2024.

The brothers are described as strong students and standout athletes at Hancock High School, where they recently transferred. Coaches and classmates have called them positive influences who brought unity and energy to the school community.

Despite this, both teens remain in federal custody as immigration authorities review their case. Officials have not publicly detailed the reason for their detention.

Separated After Arrest

Following their arrest, the brothers were separated. Israel Makoka was initially held at a local detention facility in Waveland before being transferred to an ICE processing center in Jena, Louisiana.

Max Makoka, who is a minor, was taken into custody by the Office of Refugee Resettlement and moved out of state, according to family members. His exact location was not immediately disclosed, adding to the family’s distress.

Family members say the separation has been especially difficult, as the brothers had never been apart under such circumstances.

Community Reaction and Ongoing Questions

The detentions have sparked strong reactions across Diamondhead and surrounding communities. Students, teachers, and residents have organized support efforts, including public appeals and outreach to immigration officials.

The Baptiste family, who have hosted international students for years, said they were unaware of any issues with the brothers’ immigration status and believe the situation could have been resolved if concerns had been raised earlier.

“These are stellar kids—focused, respectful, and driven,” Cliff Baptiste said. “It’s hard to understand why this is happening.”

Investigation Ongoing

ICE has not released detailed information about the case, stating only that the matter remains under review.

As the situation develops, the family continues to seek answers and advocate for the brothers’ release, while the case raises broader concerns about immigration enforcement involving students and minors.