Congressman Seth Moulton Runs for Senate, Vows to Protect Immigrants

Moulton brings Milford teen detained by ICE as guest to State of the Union

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Massachusetts Congressman Seth Moulton has announced his campaign for the U.S. Senate, challenging incumbent Edward Markey. Moulton brought Marcelo Gomes da Silva, a Milford teen who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last year, as his guest to the State of the Union address. Moulton said he invited Gomes da Silva to share his story and highlight the issue of aggressive ICE activity, particularly in Democratic cities like Boston.

Why it matters

Moulton's Senate run and his advocacy for Gomes da Silva and other immigrants targeted by ICE reflect growing concerns about the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies. As a challenger to the long-serving Markey, Moulton is positioning himself as a new generation of Democratic leadership focused on issues like affordability, innovation, and fighting back against the administration's "war on Americans."

The details

During the State of the Union, the Department of Homeland Security posted on X calling out Moulton and Gomes da Silva, describing the teen as an "illegal alien" who has "no right to be in our nation." Gomes da Silva, who arrived in the U.S. legally at age 6 but overstayed his visa, was escorted out of the chambers by Moulton's staff for his safety. Moulton said he spoke with Gomes da Silva afterward, encouraging him to continue to cause "good trouble." Moulton has also met with Boston-area university officials to encourage them to protect their international and immigrant students from ICE activity, which he says is politically motivated.

  • Gomes da Silva was detained by ICE in May 2025 while on his way to volleyball practice.
  • Gomes da Silva was held in custody for six days at a federal ICE facility in Burlington before being released and returned to his community in Milford.
  • Moulton brought Gomes da Silva as his guest to the State of the Union address in February 2026.

The players

Seth Moulton

A Democratic Congressman representing Massachusetts' 6th congressional district since 2014, and a Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq. Moulton is challenging incumbent Senator Edward Markey in the 2026 Senate primary.

Marcelo Gomes da Silva

A teenager from Milford, Massachusetts who was detained by ICE in 2025 while on his way to volleyball practice. Gomes da Silva arrived in the U.S. legally at age 6 but overstayed his visa, and has since applied for asylum.

Edward D. Markey

The incumbent U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, who has served in Congress since 1976. Markey is being challenged by Moulton in the 2026 Senate primary.

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What they’re saying

“My oldest daughter is 7 years old, and Marcelo was accused of violating an immigration order when he was 6. Imagine going to [her] and saying, 'you violated some legal order.'”

— Seth Moulton, Congressman (The Daily Free Press)

“Most people in Massachusetts know Marcelo because of his tragic immigration story, but what I hope they remember about him is what a patriotic American he is.”

— Seth Moulton, Congressman (The Daily Free Press)

What’s next

The judge in Gomes da Silva's asylum case will decide on his status in the coming months.

The takeaway

Moulton's Senate campaign and advocacy for Gomes da Silva highlight the ongoing battles over immigration enforcement and the Trump administration's targeting of immigrant communities, especially in Democratic-led cities. Moulton is positioning himself as a new generation of leadership willing to take on these issues head-on.