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ICE Transfers Maryland Pastor 2,000 Miles From His Church

His congregation has appealed to contest his transfer to Louisiana, highlighting clashes over federal immigration enforcement.

Overview

  • On July 30, ICE agents in civilian clothing arrested Pastor Daniel Fuentes Espinal at an intersection in Easton, Maryland, without a warrant.
  • He was moved to a deportation center in Louisiana, cutting him off from his Iglesia Nazarena Jesus Te Ama congregation.
  • Members of the predominantly Latin American church officially appealed his detention and canceled Sunday services in his absence.
  • Espinal’s removal follows January directives by President Trump that expanded ICE’s authority and deportation operations.
  • Although federal courts blocked suspicionless arrests earlier in July, his case underscores persistent tension between local communities and federal immigration policies.