New York welcomes immigrant detained during routine visit to ICE offices

Pro-immigrant groups and religious leaders on Tuesday welcomed to New York an immigrant from the Cayman Islands who was detained last November when he went with his U.S. citizen husband to an appointment at immigration offices to obtain permanent residency in the country. Allan Marrero, who has no criminal record, was released on bail on April 23, after being held in detention centers in Newark (New Jersey), Arizona, and Texas, as well as the "inhumane" Alligator Alcatraz in Florida, before ending up in Natchez, Mississippi, according to a press conference held today at Middle Church in Manhattan. Marrero, a resident of New York who left his country because he feared for his safety due to his sexual orientation, also stated that during the six months of his detention, immigration authorities (ICE) did not provide him with his prescription medications accurately or in a timely manner, putting his health and safety at risk. According to his lawyer Alexandra Rizio, from the organization Make the Road, his constant transfers were "the hardest part" of his detention because he was not administered his medicines regularly and spent many hours standing. Rizio also highlighted that Allan was the target of mockery by ICE guards for being gay. At the press conference, Allan expressed his concern for immigrants who are still held in detention centers and whose families "are devastated" by a "broken" immigration system. "It is truly heartbreaking and I pray for all my brothers and sisters who remain detained and await their release to reunite with their families and loved ones as I have," he said, accompanied by his husband, Matthew Marrero, church members, and immigrant groups holding welcome signs. He also expressed gratitude for the support he received during his arrest. "The battle is not over," he added. After his detention, a federal judge approved his bail, but ICE opposed it and kept him detained. Subsequently, he was released after a second bail request to which ICE did not object. "I am very happy but very tired. It didn't have to be this way, Allan shouldn't have been transferred to detention centers across the country, he shouldn't have had to beg for his prescription medication. Our Government shouldn't have paid Core Civic, a detention company, about $24,750 per day to keep him in jail," Rizio said. Allan's application for permanent residency was denied by another judge, and his lawyer has filed an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Meanwhile, Allan will be able to remain free without the risk of deportation.