Moulton Invites Detained Immigrant to State of the Union

Congressman's move seen as publicity stunt to boost Senate campaign

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton has invited Marcelo Gomes da Silva, a former teen detainee, to be his guest at the upcoming State of the Union address. Moulton's move is viewed as an attempt to gain publicity and bolster his Senate campaign, which is struggling against incumbent Ed Markey. Democrats have been accused of using immigrants as "props" for political gain, and Moulton's invitation to Gomes da Silva is the latest example.

Why it matters

Moulton's invitation to Gomes da Silva is part of a broader trend of Democrats using immigrants, particularly high-profile cases, to score political points. This practice has drawn criticism from some who see it as exploitative. The move also highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration policy and the treatment of undocumented immigrants, which has become a major political issue.

The details

Gomes da Silva, a teenager who was previously detained by ICE in Milford, Massachusetts, has become a celebrity figure among Democrats. Both Moulton and Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey have paraded Gomes da Silva in front of the media in recent months, using his case to criticize the Trump administration's immigration policies. Moulton's invitation to Gomes da Silva for the State of the Union is seen as the latest attempt to gain publicity and attention for his Senate campaign.

  • Gomes da Silva was detained and arrested by ICE in Milford, Massachusetts.
  • Moulton invited Gomes da Silva to be his guest at the February 24, 2026 State of the Union address.

The players

Seth Moulton

U.S. Representative and Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Massachusetts.

Marcelo Gomes da Silva

A former teenage detainee who has become a celebrity figure among Democrats in Massachusetts.

Ed Markey

Incumbent U.S. Senator from Massachusetts and Moulton's opponent in the Democratic primary.

Maura Healey

Governor of Massachusetts who has also used Gomes da Silva's case for political gain.

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What they’re saying

“The outpouring of support that Marcelo received following his detainment wasn't an accident. It happened because people know the kind of person that Marcelo is. He is exactly the kind of young person America should be investing in, not locking up.”

— Seth Moulton, U.S. Representative (Boston Herald)

“I'm proud to represent the strength, faith and hard work of my community. Thank you to Seth for this invite.”

— Marcelo Gomes da Silva (Boston Herald)

What’s next

The judge in Gomes da Silva's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him to attend the State of the Union address as Moulton's guest.

The takeaway

Moulton's invitation to Gomes da Silva is the latest example of Democrats using immigrants as political props to score points against the Trump administration and its immigration policies. This practice has drawn criticism, but it remains a common tactic in the ongoing debate over immigration reform and the treatment of undocumented immigrants.