ICE Detains Pastor in US for Overstaying Visa for 24 Years
In a shocking turn of events, a 54-year-old pastor from Maryland was arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and moved to a detention centre in Louisiana for overstaying his visa 24 years ago. The incident has sparked outrage among lawmakers and human rights activists, who are calling for the pastor’s release.
Daniel Fuentes Espinal, a Honduran national, entered the United States in 2001 after fleeing his home country due to violence. At the time, he was granted a six-month visa, which has since expired. Despite this, Espinal remained in the US, building a life and establishing himself as a respected member of his community.
However, ICE officials recently caught up with Espinal and took him into custody, citing his overstayed visa as the reason for his detention. The pastor was then transferred to a detention centre in Louisiana, sparking widespread outrage and calls for his release.
Several Maryland lawmakers have stepped forward to urge Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to release Espinal from detention. In a joint statement, Congressmen Jamie Raskin and Anthony Brown, as well as Senator Chris Van Hollen, called for Espinal’s release, citing his long history in the US and his contributions to the community.
“Daniel Fuentes Espinal is a 54-year-old pastor who has lived in Maryland for over 24 years, raising a family and building a life,” the lawmakers said. “He has been a pillar of his community, serving as a pastor and helping those in need. We urge Secretary Noem to exercise her discretion and release Pastor Espinal from immigration detention, allowing him to remain in the US with his family and continue his important work.”
The lawmakers’ plea is not without merit. Espinal has been a member of the Maryland community for nearly three decades, during which time he has built a reputation as a respected leader and humanitarian. His church, Iglesia Nazareno, has been a staple of the community for years, providing vital services and support to those in need.
ICE officials have maintained that Espinal’s detention is a matter of immigration law, and that he must be held accountable for overstaying his visa. However, many have questioned the severity of the punishment, given Espinal’s long history in the US and his contributions to the community.
“This is a classic case of ‘catch and release’ gone wrong,” said immigration attorney Rachel Rodriguez. “Pastor Espinal has been in the US for over 24 years, has a family here, and has contributed to the community in countless ways. Detaining him for overstaying his visa is excessive and unjustified.”
The incident has also raised questions about the effectiveness of US immigration policy. With millions of undocumented immigrants living in the US, many are left vulnerable to deportation and detention, even after decades of building a life in the country.
“This case highlights the need for comprehensive immigration reform,” said Senator Van Hollen. “We must work to create a fair and just system that allows people like Pastor Espinal to live without fear of deportation, while also ensuring the safety and security of our nation.”
As the debate surrounding Espinal’s detention continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the pastor’s story is a powerful reminder of the human cost of immigration policy. His case serves as a stark reminder of the need for compassion, empathy, and justice in our immigration system.
