MILFORD — Immigration agents on Friday arrested a 16-year-old in Milford who was in the country illegally — and then quickly released him, sending residents into a fury as some rushed to defend the teen.

The boy, Gustavo Henrique Oliveira, was picked up by ICE near Draper Park in the middle of the afternoon. Witnesses said he looked shaken and scared as agents led him away on immigration charges.

By the end of the day, Oliveira was out. ICE confirmed he was in the country unlawfully, but because of his age he was released almost as quickly as he was arrested.

News of the brief detention spread quickly through town, with some residents fuming over the spectacle and others rallying to Oliveira’s defense despite his status. The uproar mirrored scenes from earlier this summer, when 18-year-old Marcelo Gomes da Silva was arrested by ICE on his way to volleyball practice — an episode that sparked protests and drew headlines statewide.

This latest arrest, however, involved a different teenager entirely, showing that immigration enforcement in Milford is still very much alive — and still dividing the community.

There is no word yet on whether Oliveira will be processed for deportation.