EASTON — Politicians and community members are rallying behind Daniel Fuentes Espinal after his arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Monday, July 21.
Honduran born Espinal has lived in the United States since 2001 and has served as the minister of Iglesia del Nazareno Jesús Te Ama since 2015. According to his daughter, Clarissa Fuentes Diaz, Espinal, who also does construction work, was arrested by ICE agents early Monday morning after stopping by Lowe’s to pick up material for a job site.
ICE confirmed Espinal’s arrest in a statement to the Star Democrat Thursday.
“Daniel Omar Fuentes Espinal is an illegal alien from Honduras who was arrested by ICE on July 21, in Easton, Maryland,†the statement read. “Fuentes entered the United States on a 6-month visa and never left in 24 years. It is a federal crime to overstay the authorized period of time granted under a visitors visa.â€
Diaz said Espinal had no other criminal history. She said the family is working with an immigration attorney, but access to and information about Espinal is limited other than occasional 20-minute phone calls, which cost $50.
According to Diaz, her father has not had access to his medications and is sleeping on a concrete floor in the ICE detention center. She said he has been helping other detainees by preaching, praying and giving them faith.
Members of the Mid-Shore community have organized efforts in support of Espinal in the wake of the arrest.
Tred Avon Strategies principal Len Foxwell created a GoFundMe with a goal of $15,000 to support Espinal’s growing legal fees and help cover costs for Espinal’s wife and three children during his absence.
Foxwell’s son, who recently died in a car accident, was best friends with Espinal’s son.
The GoFundMe, created Thursday morning, was more than halfway toward its goal as of 4 p.m. Thursday.
The Talbot Democratic Forum and the Talbot Democratic Central Committee plan to hold a rally on Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Route 50 and Dover Road in Easton to demand Espinal’s immediate release from ICE custody.
“Pastor Daniel Fuentes Espinal was ripped from his family and congregation by ICE with no warning. He has no criminal record. He’s a father, a faith leader, and a vital part of our Eastern Shore community,†Cambridge Indivisible wrote in a Facebook post promoting the rally.
Democratic politicians from throughout the state are also calling for Espinal’s release.
“The Trump Administration clearly isn’t targeting the most dangerous criminals living in the U.S. illegally — they are snatching up anyone they can find as they pursue their mass deportation agenda and terrorizing our communities in the process. My team is engaged with Pastor Espinal’s family and I will be monitoring this closely,†U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen said in a statement to the Star Democrat.
Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md. 1st), whose district includes Easton, said in a statement to the Star Democrat that he was aware of Espinal’s situation but did not have the specifics of the case.
“Congressman Harris believes due process within the immigration system is important and that facts should be clear before making any further public comment,†the statement said. “More broadly, Rep. Harris has always believed that any immigration enforcement action taken should be based on accurate information and lawful immigration adjudication processes.â€
(2) comments
Let's see what our local Trump apologist congressman Andy Harris has to say about this. It should be interesting, and enlightening!
Similar? https://yourobserver.pressreader.com/article/281646785201181
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