2 brothers from Republic of Congo return to Mississippi after ICE detention

On May 4, 2026

DIAMONDHEAD, Miss. (WVUE) – Two brothers from the Republic of Congo are back home in Mississippi after nine days in an ICE detention center.

Israel and Max Makoko were waiting for the school bus when ICE agents detained them. Agents arrested them, sending Israel to a detention center facility in Gina, Louisiana, and flying Max to a group home in Houston.

Rep. Ezell said his office is aware of the situation, and he knows it has raised serious concerns for the community.(WLOX)

The teens said conditions in the detention center were difficult and they had no idea how long they would be held.

“I was on the worst part of this journey because I got sick cold for like six hours around my waist, my arm, feet,” one of the brothers said. “I was just mentally not here. I was physically here, not mentally. I was just in my thoughts all the time.”

According to ICE, the two boys were detained due to violations of their F-1 visas.

The two teens are hoping to continue their education.

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