The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, expresses deep concern and condemnation over the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention of Daniel Fuentes Espinal, a longstanding pastor in Easton, Maryland.
According to local reports, Espinal was taken into ICE custody after leaving Lowe’s to drive to a local Easton pool. The pastor, whose steadfast presence has served as a spiritual pillar for his followers and community, was detained despite having no criminal background and living in the state of Maryland for over twenty years.
SEE: Easton Pastor Detained by ICE
According to an article written by the Star Democract, “Espinal’s family has tried obtaining citizenship legally for years, but due to backlogs and expenses, Espinal remained undocumented, Diaz said. “He’s contributing to this country, and we’re just trying to do it the right way,” Diaz said. “You know, unfortunately, with everything going on, everyone’s a criminal apparently, but we’re just hoping for the best and just to get him out of there.”
SEE: Easton Minister Detained by ICE
This alarming event follows a troubling national trend: ICE has increasingly detained religious leaders and asylum-seekers at churches and other places of worship, once considered “sensitive locations.”
“This unconscionable act is a betrayal of our core values and an assault on the sacred trust between religious leaders and communities they serve,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry.
“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. 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. Marylanders of all faiths should stand united against this dangerous and unncecessary overreach.”
SEE: CAIR Know Your Rights with ICE Guide
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, 410-971-6062, zchaudry@cair.com; CAIR Maryland Outreach Coordinator Kim Syuardi, ksyuardi@cair.com, 202-850-9293