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This was the first of many mentions of Espinal, who has been detained by U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement since July 21.

“We pray especially for Daniel Fuentes Espinal. Watch over him during his trials, and return him to his family, if that is your will,� Montgomery said.

Espinal came to Easton in 2001 on a six-month visa. He has been pastor of Iglesia del Nazareno Jesús Te Ama since 2015.

Espinal was detained by two ICE agents in Easton and taken to ICE’s Salisbury Field Office on July 21, according to his daughter.

He was quickly transferred to the Baltimore ICE detention center, where he remained for three nights. That Thursday, Espinal was transferred to an ICE detention center in Louisiana, where he will stay until his hearing, which has not been scheduled yet.

The comments at Monday’s meeting came amid increased ICE presence in the town.

“ICE was here today and made some arrests. I mean, it seems like they’re here more often than ever,� Councilmember the Rev. Elmer Davis said.

Michele Dappert, president of the Talbot County Democratic Forum, said the forum learned of what she believes could be dozens of immigration arrests early this week through both word-of-mouth and corroborating photos and videos. An exact number could not be provided.

The Rev. John Nash from Sts. Peter and Paul said one member of the church’s Spanish-speaking congregation was “abducted� Tuesday.

“She was abducted some time this morning, and she’s not permitted to call anyone, so nobody knows where she is,� Nash said. “They’re going after these poor innocent folks who are just trying to make a living.�

Easton Police Capt. Greg Wright confirmed that the department was aware of ICE activity in the town on Monday, though the department was not involved in any arrests and could not provide specific details.

Easton resident Emily Stone, who spoke to the council Monday, wanted to know if the police department has a formal agreement with ICE and if the Town Council had taken any actions to get Espinal home.

“I, in particular, want to learn more about how the arrest of Rev. Espinal is being handled by the Town Council and if you have made any requests to our state representative, Andy Harris, to learn more about his well-being or his location,� Stone said.

Wright responded, saying the police department has no interaction with ICE nor does it have a formal agreement. They usually are not notified about ICE operations or apprehensions in Easton because ICE is a federal program.

While the town has taken no formal actions on behalf of Espinal, every council member used a portion of their comment period Monday to speak about the effects of the recent ICE arrests on the community.

Councilmember Maureen Curry said she is “distraught� over the detention of Espinal as the daughter of an immigrant herself.

“We are a nation of immigrants, and in my opinion, and it is just my opinion, this administration has turned their backs on the hardworking, honest people like my father that came to this country to make a better life for themselves and their families,� Curry said. “Pastor Espinal has been a pillar of our community for nearly 24 years, and his family and his congregation are devastated by his detention.�

Council President Don Abbatiello ended the meeting by encouraging concerned residents to reach out to Congressman Andy Harris (R-Md.) and Sens. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).

“There is ultimately something wrong with a system where Pastor Espinal and other residents are picked up for what amounts to misdemeanors in civil violations and placed in holding cells far from their loved ones,� Abbatiello said. “The way the law is written and enforced right now, this is what happens.�

In a statement to Â鶹´«Ã½ Tuesday evening, Harris said he is “aware of the case and believe(s) it’s important to fully understand the details before drawing conclusions.â€�

“We are trying to determine what leeway the Secretary of Homeland Security has in granting exceptions to deportation orders,� Harris said. “That said, the Trump administration has been clear: individuals who are in the country illegally should self-deport and follow the proper, legal process to return.�

Reporter Konner Mets contributed to this article.

This report has been updated to include comment from Rep. Andy Harris.