On March 5, ICE arrested Jeckson’s mother and then arrested him later that same day. Jeckson was brought to the United States as a young child.
He spent a month and a half in ICE detention and signed his deportation papers. After being transferred from Georgia to Texas, he believed he was being sent to El Salvador. Instead, government officials sent him back to North Charleston, where he was booked into the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center on federal charges of assaulting an ICE officer—charges he denies.
Those who know Jeckson know he has a kind, generous, and grateful heart. He is the kind of student every teacher loves for his curiosity and gentle nature. In 6th grade, he was the student who enthusiastically made his homeroom teacher coffee every morning. In 7th grade, during the COVID lockdown, he was the one asking for more work to be sent home. In 8th grade, he continued to dedicate himself to learning and supporting his peers. At one point, a shy classmate experienced a deeply humiliating incident and stopped coming to school. It was Jeckson who encouraged her to return.
Jeckson left traditional high school to help support his family financially, but he continued his education through an alternative program, Learn for Life. He is still studying while incarcerated and plans to graduate this May. When I spoke with him from jail, this was the first thing he shared—that he was continuing his education.
The original post requested funds for his legal defense. After gathering additional information, we now understand that his public federal defense attorney may already be providing him with the best possible legal assistance. However, the funds being raised are intended to support the attorney if needed. I will share further updates as they become available.
Here is the latest that I know as of April 22:
I spoke with Jeckson’s lawyer’s office and let them know we had raised funds that could support his case if needed. His lawyer, Brendan Daniels, advised that Jeckson request permission to save the funds for personal use after his release and deportation to El Salvador.
Jeckson’s lawyer is currently working on a plea deal. Jeckson admits to resisting arrest—he says he panicked and tried to get away—but he maintains that he did not attack anyone. His lawyer believes that with a plea, Jeckson could receive a sentence of no more than one year, and possibly as little as six months. His court date is expected in about three months; I will share details once confirmed.
In the meantime, Jeckson continues to study in jail and says he is on track to receive his high school diploma by May. He shared that the jail director’s wife has been tutoring him, and that other inmates have been kind, even teaching him how to cook foods he hadn’t tried before, like sardines and rice.
Jeckson asked me to thank you all for your generosity. He is very grateful and said he would be happy to call any donor personally to express his thanks—just let me know if you would like that and I will message him your phone number.
He has asked if he may keep the donated funds to help him start his new life in El Salvador. He will have no personal financial resources once he is released and deported. He says he will need essentials like clothing and transportation, and hopes to find a job in El Salvador that uses his bilingual skills.
Jeckson with his good friend, Abner, who is also trying to help him.
Jeckson as student of the month in 6th grade
Jeckson reading in my class.
Jeckson with his brothers.
Jeckson and me at Stall graduation
Jeckson with his brothers and mom (Jeckson is on the right)
A recent picture of Jeckson taken by his friend, Abner.
The day of the arrest.
