The rape of a 14-year-old girl in a Maryland high school sparked an immigration debate. U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos expressed sympathy for the victim during a recent visit to another school in the state. Even the White House reiterated why the president is tough on illegal immigration because of cases like this.
The rape happened at the Rockville High School bathroom. Students, 17-year-old Jose Montano and 18-year-old Henry Sanchez-Milian, attacked a 14-year-old girl and forced themselves on her.
Montgomery County police said the boys had no prior records of crime. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were brought into the case as Sanchez-Millian, originally from Guatemala, arrived in the U.S. last August illegally. ICE won't comment about Montano as he is a minor. Both offenders were charged with the crime without bail.
The school admitted Sanchez because of a standing federal law that mandated education institutions to accept anyone below 21-years-old, as per Yahoo. Montgomery County Public Schools spokesperson Derek Turner said the district received "hundreds of calls" described as "hate-filled, racist and xenophobic" when news of the rape became public knowledge.
Some also made threats against other immigrants attending the high school, as per WTOP. Some immigrants expressed authorities and government leaders must ensure everyone's safety and rights remain protected, regardless of their status.
During her visit to an elementary school in Bethesda, Maryland, DeVos said her heart ached for the victim, as per NBC Columbus. "As a mother of two daughters and grandmother of four young girls, my heart aches for the young woman and her family at the center of these terrible circumstances," the secretary said. "We all have a common responsibility to ensure every student has access to a safe and nurturing learning environment."
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan confirmed he got in touch with Montgomery County School superintendent, Dr. Jack Smith to discuss the case. He ordered authorities and officials to do their jobs and take this matter seriously.
