Community Demands Release of Maryland Pastor Detained by ICE

A Maryland community is rallying for the release of Daniel Fuentes Espinal, a 54-year-old pastor from Easton, who was arrested by ICE on July 21, 2025, for overstaying his visa by 24 years. As of July 27, 2025, Fuentes Espinal remains in ICE custody at the Winn Correctional Facility in Louisiana, awaiting a bond hearing. His arrest has sparked strong reactions from local residents, faith leaders, and political figures, raising urgent questions about immigration enforcement and the treatment of long-term community members.

Immediate Arrest and Detention

ICE agents arrested Daniel Fuentes Espinal while he was on his way to his construction job, after stopping for building supplies. He was first held in Salisbury, then Baltimore, before being transferred to the Winn Correctional Facility in Louisiana, a private prison used by ICE. According to ICE, Fuentes Espinal entered the United States 🇺🇸 legally in 2001 on a six-month visa but never left, making his continued stay a federal crime under immigration law. As of now, he has not been released and is waiting for a bond hearing that will decide if he can return to his family while his case moves forward.

Community and Political Response

The arrest has deeply affected Easton, Maryland. On July 25, 2025, residents held a rally demanding Fuentes Espinal’s immediate release. Supporters point to his long-standing role as pastor of Iglesia Del Nazareno Jesus Te Ama and his clean record. Many say his detention is unfair and hurts not only his family but the entire community.

Political leaders from both parties have taken notice. Representative Andy Harris (R-MD) said he is aware of the case but stressed the need for due process, declining further comment until more facts are available. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) is working with the family and has criticized current immigration enforcement, referencing past cases of mistaken or aggressive deportations. Representatives Sarah Elfreth and Glenn Ivey (D-MD) sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, urging Fuentes Espinal’s release. They argue that detaining someone like him, who has no criminal record and strong community ties, goes against the administration’s stated focus on removing violent criminals and does not improve public safety.

The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has also called for his release, describing him as a “widely respected pastor” who has tried in good faith to fix his immigration status.

Family Impact and Personal Story

Daniel Fuentes Espinal is a father of three. Two of his children were born in the United States 🇺🇸, and his daughter Clarissa, who came with him in 2001, is now working to become a U.S. citizen. The family says they have made several attempts to get legal permanent residency, but these efforts have failed, likely because of the length of his overstay and strict immigration laws.

His detention has caused deep emotional pain and financial stress for his family. As the main breadwinner and a community leader, his absence is felt not only at home but also in his church and the wider Easton community.

ICE Enforcement and Policy Context

ICE’s actions in this case reflect ongoing debates about immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸. In 2024, the Biden administration told ICE to focus on removing people with serious criminal records or those who recently crossed the border. However, advocates argue that cases like Fuentes Espinal’s—where someone has lived in the country for many years, has no criminal record, and is deeply involved in the community—should not be a priority for detention or removal.

ICE maintains that visa overstays are violations of federal law and that enforcement is necessary to uphold immigration rules. In 2025, ICE has increasingly used surveillance and routine stops to arrest people with outstanding removal orders or long-term overstays.

Procedural Details and Legal Process

After his arrest, Fuentes Espinal was transferred from Maryland to Louisiana, a common practice due to space and policy decisions. Detainees like him are supposed to get a bond hearing within 7–10 days, but backlogs at facilities like Winn Correctional Center can cause delays. Unlike criminal court, immigration proceedings do not guarantee a lawyer, though community groups are helping the Fuentes Espinal family find legal help.

The next step is the bond hearing, where his legal team will argue for his release while his case is decided. If granted, he could return to his family and church while waiting for a final decision.

Community and Advocacy Group Perspectives

Supporters, including local faith leaders and advocacy groups, say Fuentes Espinal’s detention is unjust. They highlight his positive contributions, lack of criminal history, and the harm caused to his family and congregation. “He’s a pillar of our community,” said one church member at the rally. “Taking him away doesn’t make anyone safer.”

ICE and some enforcement advocates argue that the law must be followed, and that overstaying a visa is a clear violation, regardless of personal circumstances.

Background and Migration History

Fuentes Espinal and his family left Honduras in 2001 to escape violence, entering the United States 🇺🇸 on a six-month visa. He has served as a pastor in Easton since 2015 and worked in construction to support his family. Despite repeated efforts, the family has not been able to secure legal status, a common problem for many long-term residents who entered legally but overstayed.

Future Outlook and Possible Solutions

The outcome of the upcoming bond hearing will decide if Fuentes Espinal can be released while his case continues. Community advocates are urging public support and legal help. Some lawmakers may try to introduce a private bill or ask ICE to use “prosecutorial discretion” to drop the case, but these steps are rare and usually need strong political backing.

This case is being watched closely as a test of current ICE enforcement priorities and the administration’s willingness to show compassion in cases involving long-term, law-abiding residents. As reported by VisaVerge.com, such cases highlight the ongoing struggle between strict enforcement and humanitarian concerns in U.S. immigration policy.

Practical Guidance and Resources

For families facing similar situations, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and local Maryland legal aid groups can offer help. To check the status of a loved one in ICE custody, use the ICE Detainee Locator System. Community groups like Iglesia Del Nazareno Jesus Te Ama and CAIR Maryland are also organizing support and sharing updates.

Key Takeaways

• Daniel Fuentes Espinal’s case shows the real-life impact of immigration enforcement on families and communities.
• Community support, legal help, and public attention can play a big role in such cases.
• Families affected by ICE actions should seek legal advice and connect with advocacy groups for support.

For more information or to support the Fuentes Espinal family, contact Iglesia Del Nazareno Jesus Te Ama in Easton, Maryland, or the Maryland office of CAIR. For official updates, use the ICE Detainee Locator or consult local immigration attorneys.

Learn Today

ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, responsible for immigration enforcement and detention.
Visa overstay → Remaining in the U.S. beyond the authorized time period granted by a visa.
Bond hearing → A legal proceeding to determine if a detainee can be released pending immigration case decisions.
Prosecutorial discretion → Authority of immigration officials to decide when to enforce or waive deportation actions.
Private bill → Legislation introduced to grant relief or special immigration status to an individual.

This Article in a Nutshell

Maryland’s community demands the release of pastor Daniel Fuentes Espinal, detained for a 24-year visa overstay. His detention sparks debate on immigration enforcement priorities, highlighting the conflict between law and humanitarian concerns in US immigration policy.
— By VisaVerge.com