By The Opinion
Allan Michael Marrerodetained by agents of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a routine appointment to process your residence cardreturned to his home in Lower East Facet of New Yorkafter passing 150 days in custody.
The release was greeted with an emotional celebration in Center Churchwhere family members, religious leaders and local authorities gathered.
ICE detained him during an immigration appointment
Marrero, originally from the Cayman Islandswas arrested on November 24, 2025 due to a former deportation order issued in 2022 for failing to appear at an immigration hearing related to a tourist visa that had expired in 2013.
However, he had started his asylum process because of his LGBTQ+ identity within the allowed time of your visa.
During his detention, Marrero was transferred to five detention centers ICE detention in different states, including New Jersey, Arizona, Texas, Florida and Mississippi. He said that the night transfers, in which he remained chained for hours, were physically and emotionally exhausting.
“The night transfers were physically exhausting. Here you were chained by your ankles, waist and wrists for up to eight hours straight”Marrero said.
Judge ordered his release on bail
Although a judge ordered his release on bail in January, ICE refused to accept it, keeping him in custody until a lawsuit allowed his release.
Your lawyer, Alex Riziofrom Produce the Street Fresh York, highlighted that Marrero has no criminal record and thanked the collaboration of the community that fought for his release.
“We are here because of Allan’s strength, Matthew’s love and a community of people who use their talents and passion to achieve justice,” Rizio said.
Marrero’s husband, Matthew, expressed his joy at Allan’s return and noted that the experience has reinforced his commitment to supporting those who remain in ICE custody.
“Love has brought him back home, but justice still has work to do”said Matthew Marrero.
The couple hopes their story serves as an example and motivation for other families affected by immigration detentions and will continue working for Marrero to obtain his green card.
Keep reading:
- ICE renounces express training for its new agents sent to detain immigrants
- ICE and CBP, at a low level, continue to do harm
- “Massive deportations of immigrants are coming,” anticipates Tom Homan, border czar
- Republicans want to approve $72 billion more for ICE and CBP without a Democratic vote
