Amson Charleston, a 26-year-old youth soccer coach for the Keystone Soccer Club in York County, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials on August 24. Charleston is currently held at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Centre County. The detention has prompted an outpouring of support from the local soccer community, with a petition circulating on social media and a GoFundMe campaign established to fund legal defense.
Charleston, who also works as an information technology specialist at Lincoln Charter School, came to the United States under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti, according to soccer parents. Gavin Dorrance, one of Charleston’s current players, described him as a big brother figure who was very close to the team. Laura Dorrance, a soccer parent, expressed shock at the news and immediately sought ways to help.
West York Chief of Police Matthew J. Millsap stated that Charleston was initially stopped for careless driving while operating an unregistered and uninspected vehicle. Chief Millsap noted that Charleston already had a warrant from the state police for other motor vehicle-related driving offenses before being transferred to ICE. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a statement indicating that Charleston arrived in the United States lawfully on September 26, 2020, but did not depart after his authorized stay expired, making him unlawfully present and in violation of U.S. immigration laws. Chief Millsap added that Charleston had overstayed his visa for six years.
The DHS statement emphasized that individuals who enter the country illegally or violate their lawful status will face consequences, including arrest and deportation. Despite this, soccer parents and community members are advocating for Charleston to remain in the United States, with the petition garnering at least 343 signatures. Supporters hope to see him return to his community and family.
