Latest news with #U.S.ImmigrationsandCustomsEnforcement
Miami Herald
27-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
ICE arrests Maryland pastor for overstaying visa, holds him in Louisiana
BALTIMORE - A pastor from Maryland's Eastern Shore has been arrested by U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and transported to a detention facility in Louisiana after the agency said he overstayed his visa. Daniel Fuentes Espinal, a 54-year-old father of three originally from Honduras, has been pastor of the Iglesia del Nazareno Jesus Te Ama (Church of the Nazarene Jesus Loves You) in Easton since 2015. His family fled violence in Honduras in 2001, when ICE said Fuentes Espinal was granted a visa to remain in the U.S. for six months. "Fuentes entered the United States on a 6-month visa and never left in 24 years. It is a federal crime to overstay the authorized period of time granted under a visitors visa," ICE said in a statement. Fuentes Espinal's daughter, Clarissa Fuentes Diaz, was eight years old when she left Honduras with her father and was recently notified she would become a U.S. citizen. She told multiple news outlets that Fuentes Espinal, who also works in construction, was followed to a Lowe's hardware store on the day of his arrest and taken into custody while running routine errands. Fuentes Espinal was held in Salisbury and Baltimore before being moved to the Winn Correctional Center, a private prison facility used by ICE to detain immigrants in northwestern Louisiana, according to Fuentes Diaz. This facility is about an hour's drive from an ICE detention center in the town of Jena, where Columbia University pro-Palestine activist Mahmoud Khalil was held for more than three months. Fuentes Espinal's two other children were born in the U.S., according to Maryland Matters. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, who emerged as a leader among Democrats by visiting El Salvador when Kilmar Abrego Garcia was wrongfully deported this spring, told Maryland Matters that his office has been in contact with Fuentes Espinal's family and is continuing to monitor the situation. Maryland Reps. Sarah Elfreth and Glenn Ivey, both Democrats, sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, calling for Fuentes Espinal's release. The letter notes that Fuentes Espinal has no criminal record in his more than two decades living in the U.S. "We believe that the arrest and detention of Pastor Espinal does not reflect this Administration's repeated commitment to arrest, detain, and remove violent criminals," the letter reads. "… His arrest and detention by ICE does nothing to further your state goals of making America safer." The Maryland Office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations also condemned the arrest, calling Fuentes Espinal a "widely respected pastor" who has tried to obtain American citizenship. "Detaining a widely respected pastor who has been serving the Maryland community for twenty years while attempting to rectify his legal status sends a chilling message," CAIR's Maryland director, Zainab Chaudry, said in a statement. "We call on ICE to immediately release this pastor and stop wasting government resources targeting immigrants who have done nothing but contribute to our society." As of Saturday morning, a GoFundMe campaign for Fuentes Espinal's legal expenses and to support his family had raised more than $28,000 of its $40,000 goal. Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
08-07-2025
- Politics
US will try to deport Abrego Garcia before his trial, Justice Department attorney says
GREENBELT, Md. -- The U.S. government would initiate deportation proceedings against Kilmar Abrego Garcia if he's released from jail before he stands trial on human smuggling charges in Tennessee, a Justice Department attorney told a federal judge in Maryland on Monday. The disclosure by U.S. lawyer Jonathan Guynn contradicts statements by spokespeople for the Justice Department and the White House, who said last month that Abrego Garcia would stand trial and possibly spend time in an American prison before the government moves to deport him. Guynn made the revelation during a federal court hearing in Maryland, where Abrego Garcia's American wife is suing the Trump administration over his mistaken deportation in March and trying to prevent him from being expelled again. Guynn said U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement would detain Abrego Garcia once he's released from jail and send him to a 'third country' that isn't his native El Salvador. However, Guynn said he didn't know which country that would be. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis said trying to determine what will happen to Abrego Garcia has been 'like trying to nail Jello to a wall." She scheduled a hearing for Thursday for U.S. officials to explain possible next steps if Abrego Garcia is released. Abrego Garcia became a flashpoint over President Donald Trump's immigration policies when he was deported in March to a notorious megaprison in his native El Salvador. The Trump administration claimed he was in the MS-13 gang, although Abrego Garcia was never charged with a crime and has repeatedly denied the allegation. When the Trump administration deported Abrego Garcia, it violated a U.S. immigration judge's order in 2019 that shielded him from being sent to his native country. The judge had determined that Abrego Garcia likely faced persecution by local gangs that had terrorized him and his family and prompted him to flee to the U.S. Facing increasing pressure and a Supreme Court order, the Trump administration returned Abrego Garcia to the U.S. last month to face federal human smuggling charges. The charges stem from a 2022 traffic stop for speeding in Tennessee, during which Abrego Garcia was driving a vehicle with nine passengers without luggage. Abrego Garcia has pleaded not guilty. His lawyers told a judge that some government witnesses cooperated to get favors regarding their immigration status or criminal charges they were facing. They've also accused the Trump administration of bringing Abrego Garcia back 'to convict him in the court of public opinion' with the intention of deporting him before he can defend himself at trial. A federal judge in Nashville was preparing to release Abrego Garcia, determining he's not a flight risk or a danger. But she agreed to keep Abrego Garcia behind bars at the request of his own attorneys, who raised concerns the U.S. would try to immediately deport him. In court documents, Abrego Garcia's lawyers cited 'contradictory statements' by the Trump administration. For example, Guynn told Xinis on June 26 that ICE planned to deport Abrego Garcia, though he didn't say when. Later that day, DOJ spokesperson Chad Gilmartin told The Associated Press that the Justice Department intends to try Abrego Garcia on the smuggling charges before it moves to deport him. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson posted on X that day that Abrego Garcia "will face the full force of the American justice system — including serving time in American prison for the crimes he's committed.' Abrego Garcia's attorneys asked Xinis to order the government to take him to Maryland upon his release from jail, an arrangement that would prevent his deportation before trial. Abrego Garcia lived in Maryland for more than a decade, working construction and raising a family. Xinis is still considering that request. Guynn told the judge on Monday that she doesn't have the jurisdiction to decide where Abrego Garcia would be detained. Xinis responded by asking why she couldn't order an 'interim step' to ensure that Abrego Garcia isn't 'spirited away again.' Anrew Rossman, an attorney for Abrego Garcia, said he should be given notice and an opportunity to challenge his removal in court. 'That's the baseline of what we're asking for,' he added. Meanwhile, Xinis denied the Trump administration's motion to dismiss the lawsuit over Abrego Garcia's mistaken deportation. The government had argued the litigation was moot because it returned him to the U.S. Xinis said 'the controversy' isn't over simply because he's back.
Los Angeles Times
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
U.S. will try to deport Abrego Garcia before his trial, Justice Department attorney says
GREENBELT, Md. — The U.S. government would initiate deportation proceedings against Kilmar Abrego Garcia if he's released from jail before he stands trial on human smuggling charges in Tennessee, a Justice Department attorney told a federal judge in Maryland on Monday. The disclosure by U.S. lawyer Jonathan Guynn contradicts statements by spokespeople for the Justice Department and the White House, who said last month that Abrego Garcia would stand trial and possibly spend time in an American prison before the government moves to deport him. Guynn made the revelation during a federal court hearing in Maryland, where Abrego Garcia's American wife is suing the Trump administration over his mistaken deportation in March and trying to prevent him being expelled again. Guynn said that U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement would detain Abrego Garcia once he's released from jail and send him to a 'third country' that isn't his native El Salvador. Guynn said he didn't know which country that would be. Abrego Garcia became a flash point over President Trump's immigration policies when he was deported in March to a notorious megaprison in El Salvador. The Trump administration violated a U.S. immigration judge's 2019 order that shielded Abrego Garcia from deportation to his native country because he likely faced persecution there by local gangs that terrorized his family. Facing increasing pressure and a Supreme Court order, the Trump administration returned Abrego Garcia last month to face federal human smuggling charges. Abrego Garcia's attorneys have characterized the case as 'preposterous' and an attempt to justify his erroneous deportation. A federal judge in Nashville was preparing to release Abrego Garcia to await trial. But she agreed last week to keep Abrego Garcia behind bars at the request of his own attorneys. They had raised concerns that the U.S. would try to immediately deport him, while citing what they say were 'contradictory statements' by the Trump administration. For example, Guynn had told U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis in Maryland on June 26 that the U.S. government planned to deport Abrego Garcia to a 'third country' that isn't El Salvador. But he said there was no timeline for the deportation plans. Later that day, Justice Department spokesperson Chad Gilmartin told the Associated Press that the department intends to try Abrego Garcia on the smuggling charges before it moves to deport him. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson posted on X that day that Abrego Garcia 'will face the full force of the American justice system — including serving time in American prison for the crimes he's committed.' Abrego Garcia's attorneys have asked Xinis to order the government to take Abrego Garcia to Maryland upon release from jail in Tennessee, an arrangement that would prevent his deportation before trial. Abrego Garcia lived in Maryland for more than a decade, working in construction and raising a family with his wife. Xinis is still considering Abrego Garcia's lawyers' request to send him to Maryland if he's released. Meanwhile, Xinis ruled Monday that the lawsuit against the Trump administration over Abrego Garcia's mistaken deportation can continue. Kunzelman and Finley write for the Associated Press. Finley reported from Norfolk, Va.
Hamilton Spectator
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
US will try to deport Abrego Garcia before his trial, Justice Department attorney says
GREENBELT, Md. (AP) — The U.S. government would initiate deportation proceedings against Kilmar Abrego Garcia if he's released from jail before he stands trial on human smuggling charges in Tennessee, a Justice Department attorney told a federal judge in Maryland on Monday. The disclosure by U.S. lawyer Jonathan Guynn contradicts statements by spokespeople for the Justice Department and the White House , who said last month that Abrego Garcia would stand trial and possibly spend time in an American prison before the government moves to deport him. Guynn made the revelation during a federal court hearing in Maryland, where Abrego Garcia's American wife is suing the Trump administration over his mistaken deportation in March and trying to prevent him being expelled again. Guynn said that U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement would detain Abrego Garcia once he's released from jail and send him to a 'third country' that isn't his native El Salvador. However, Guynn said he didn't know which country that would be. Abrego Garcia became a flashpoint over President Donald Trump's immigration policies when he was deported in March to a notorious megaprison in his native El Salvador. The Trump administration violated a U.S. immigration judge's order in 2019 that shielded Abrego Garcia from deportation to his native country because he likely faced persecution there by local gangs that terrorized his family. Facing increasing pressure and a Supreme Court order, the Trump administration returned Abrego Garcia last month to face federal human smuggling charges. Abrego Garcia's attorneys have characterized the case as 'preposterous' and an attempt to justify his erroneous deportation. A federal judge in Nashville was preparing to release Abrego Garcia to await trial. But she agreed last week to keep Abrego Garcia behind bars at the request of his own attorneys. They had raised concerns the U.S. would try to immediately deport him, while citing what they say were 'contradictory statements' by the Trump administration. For example, Guynn had told U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis in Maryland on June 26 that the U.S. government planned to deport Abrego Garcia to a 'third country' that isn't El Salvador. But he said there was no timeline for the deportation plans. Later that day, DOJ spokesperson Chad Gilmartin told The Associated Press that the Justice Department intends to try Abrego Garcia on the smuggling charges before it moves to deport him. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson posted on X that day that Abrego Garcia 'will face the full force of the American justice system — including serving time in American prison for the crimes he's committed.' Abrego Garcia's attorneys have asked Xinis to order the government to take Abrego Garcia to Maryland upon release from jail in Tennessee, an arrangement that would prevent his deportation before trial. Abrego Garcia lived in Maryland outside of Washington for more than a decade, working construction and raising a family with his American wife. Xinis is still considering his lawyers' request to send him to Maryland if he's released. Meanwhile, Xinis ruled Monday that the lawsuit against the Trump administration over Abrego Garcia's mistaken deportation can continue. ___ This story's headline and summary have been corrected to show that Jonathan Guynn is a civil division attorney with the Department of Justice, not a prosecutor. ___ Finley reported from Norfolk, Virginia. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Winnipeg Free Press
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
US will try to deport Abrego Garcia before his trial, prosecutor says
GREENBELT, Md. (AP) — The U.S. government would initiate deportation proceedings against Kilmar Abrego Garcia if he's released from jail before he stands trial on human smuggling charges in Tennessee, a Justice Department attorney told a federal judge in Maryland on Monday. The disclosure by U.S. lawyer Jonathan Guynn contradicts statements by spokespeople for the Justice Department and the White House, who said last month that Abrego Garcia would stand trial and possibly spend time in an American prison before the government moves to deport him. Guynn made the revelation during a federal court hearing in Maryland, where Abrego Garcia's lawyers have expressed concerns that he would be denied due process once more by the Trump administration before it likely tries to expel him again from the U.S. Guynn said that U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement would detain Abrego Garcia once he's released from jail in Tennessee and send him to a 'third country' that isn't his native El Salvador. However, Guynn said he didn't know which country that would be. Abrego Garcia became a flashpoint over President Donald Trump's immigration policies when he was deported in March to a notorious megaprison in his native El Salvador. The Trump administration violated a U.S. immigration judge's order in 2019 that shielded Abrego Garcia from deportation to El Salvador because he likely faced persecution there by local gangs that terrorized his family. Facing increasing pressure and a Supreme Court order, the Trump administration returned Abrego Garcia to the United States last month to face federal human smuggling charges. Abrego Garcia's attorneys have characterized the case as 'preposterous' and an attempt to justify his erroneous deportation. A federal judge in Nashville was preparing to release Abrego Garcia to await trial. But she agreed last week to keep Abrego Garcia behind bars at the request of his own attorneys. They had raised concerns the U.S. would try to immediately deport him, while citing what they say were 'contradictory statements' by the Trump administration. For example, Guynn had told U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis in Maryland on June 26 that the U.S. government planned to deport Abrego Garcia to a 'third country' that isn't El Salvador. But he said there was no timeline for the deportation plans. Later that day, DOJ spokesperson Chad Gilmartin told The Associated Press that the Justice Department intends to try Abrego Garcia on the smuggling charges before it moves to deport him. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson posted on X that day that Abrego Garcia 'will face the full force of the American justice system — including serving time in American prison for the crimes he's committed.' Abrego Garcia's attorneys have asked Xinis to order the government to take Abrego Garcia to Maryland upon release from jail in Tennessee, an arrangement that would prevent his deportation before trial. Abrego Garcia lived in Maryland outside of Washington for more than a decade, working construction and raising a family with his American wife. Xinis is still considering his lawyers' request to send him to Maryland if he's released. Meanwhile, Xinis ruled Monday that the lawsuit against the Trump administration over Abrego Garcia's mistaken deportation can continue. ___ Finley reported from Norfolk, Virginia.
