Michell Germán, 17, and her father, mother and 11-year-old sister were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on their way to school two weeks ago, El Paso Matters reported. The family is being held at the South Texas Family Residential Center near Austin.
About two months earlier, Michell was crowned Lady-in-Waiting at El Paso High School's homecoming. She had planned to take part in Senior Night festivities on Friday. Two of her friends told El Paso Matters that the school and dance team had planned a special recognition for her, but that she asked that it not happen.
U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, said in an Instagram post Thursday that Michell is "missing memories she'll never get back." Castro said he met with the family at the detention center last week and called her "a bright young student." Ximena Terrazas, 17, a friend and dance team member, said the family are "good people with good hearts" and described Michell as trustworthy and reliable.