Latest news with #visaoverstay
CBS News
2 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Community demands release of Maryland pastor who was arrested by ICE
A community in Easton, Maryland, is demanding the release of a pastor who was arrested earlier this week by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, accused of overstaying his visa by 25 years. As of Saturday, 54-year-old Daniel Fuentes Espinal was in custody at an ICE detention facility in Louisiana, records show. Fuentes Espinal, a church pastor and construction worker, has lived in the U.S. since 2001. Those close to the family told WJZ that he is a father of three with no criminal record. In a statement to WJZ, ICE said he entered the country at the time legally on a six-month visa, but that it expired. "It's devastated our community," family friend Len Foxwell said. "It's shocked our community." Foxwell told WJZ that Fuentes Espinal was arrested as he was on his way to his day job on July 21. "Literally had been out that morning to pick up building supplies and was on his way to a job site when he got pulled over," Foxwell said. "He was arrested on site." Fuentes Espinal is a pastor at Iglesia Del Nazareno Jesus Te Amam in Easton. The family has been working for years to secure a Green Card for him, Foxwell said. After his arrest, Fuentes Espinal was taken to a detention center in Salisbury, transferred to Baltimore then to the Winn Correctional Facility in Louisiana. "He spent three days at a detention center in Baltimore, sleeping on a cold bench with barely enough food to eat," Foxwell said. "Now, he's in Louisiana and heaven only knows what's happening there." Fuentes Espinal is now awaiting a bond hearing in this case. Members of the Easton community rallied Friday to demand that Fuentes Espinal be released. A spokesperson for Republican Rep. Andy Harris of Maryland said he is aware of the situation involving Fuentes Espinal, but doesn't have "specifics" of the case. "Congressman Harris believes due process within the immigration enforcement system is important and that facts should be clear before making any further public comment," the statement said. Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland said his team is working with Fuentes Espinal's family. He also criticized the Trump administration, saying it is "snatching up anyone they can find as they pursue their mass deportation agenda." Van Hollen has been extremely vocal about his opposition to the Trump administration's immigration effort, especially in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported from Maryland and sent to a prison in El Salvador in March. Van Hollen traveled to the country to check on Abrego Garcia's well-being and called for him to receive a fair immigration hearing. Abrego Garcia was later returned to the U.S. to face federal human smuggling charges in a case that continues to play out in court.
CNN
4 days ago
- CNN
Friend of pastor arrested by ICE details ‘subhuman' conditions of his detainment
54-year-old Maryland pastor, Daniel Fuentes Espinal, who fled Honduras 24 years ago to escape poverty and violence is waiting to hear when he will face an immigration judge after his arrest this week by Immigration and Customs Enforcement for overstaying his visa in 2001, according to his family.
CNN
4 days ago
- CNN
Friend of pastor arrested by ICE details ‘subhuman' conditions of his detainment
54-year-old Maryland pastor, Daniel Fuentes Espinal, who fled Honduras 24 years ago to escape poverty and violence is waiting to hear when he will face an immigration judge after his arrest this week by Immigration and Customs Enforcement for overstaying his visa in 2001, according to his family.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Chart-topping Brit R&B singer's health is 'rapidly deteriorating' after months held in ICE custody, her loved ones reveal as she faces deportation for overstaying visa
The health of a British R&B singer who is being held in a US correctional facility after being arrested for overstaying her visa by 26 years is 'rapidly deteriorating', her loved ones say. Jane Eugene, lead singer from 80s R&B group Loose Ends, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials at the Canadian border crossing at Niagara Falls two months ago and is currently being held at a correctional facility in Kentucky. Friends and family of the singer, who has been living in the US for several years, have revealed the effect her detention is having on her and have launched a fundraiser to help her navigate her ordeal. 'As you might imagine, the conditions are taking a huge toll. Jane's health is rapidly deteriorating', the GoFundMe page said. 'Unable to work or generate income for the past few months and foreseeable future, Jane needs our help.' The fundraiser aims to 'cover the initial cost of legal fees, protect her health while she's in ICE custody, pay for a possible bond bail, and close some of the gaps on paying for basic needs.' 'She loves America, has made her home here, and wants to fight using every legal remedy available'. 'Jane's music has been the soundtrack for many lives—now let's be her lifeline. Every contribution, big or small, helps protect her health and future. Every dollar will go directly to Jane. The courts are overwhelmed and no one can say how long she will be held under extremely challenging conditions. Your gift makes a huge difference', the fundraiser added. A statement was also released on behalf of Ms Eugene, in which the singer thanked her friends and fans for their 'love and prayers'. 'My friends have been doing an incredible job supporting me through this challenging time. They have been going above and beyond in these past months, but the costs are more than they can bear. 'My health has taken a real toll in detention, and every dollar makes a difference.' Ms Eugene has been leading a US-based version of Loose Ends, performing around the country from her home in Los Angeles. US government sources claimed that she applied for a US 'green card' back in 1999, when she had already overstayed her visa, but was refused. Now her lengthy alleged visa overstay could lead to serious legal consequences, including removal proceedings and a possible 10-year re-entry ban. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told MailOnline: 'The law applies equally, even to celebrities. 'Jane Eugene Sendall Peters was denied an immigrant petition for alien workers in 1999 and had already overstayed her visa at the time of application. 'On May 3, 2025, Peters was encountered in Niagara Falls, NY after being refused entry to Canada. [Customs and Border Protection] arrested her and she is pending a hearing with the Executive Office for Immigration Review.' Ms Mclaughlin added that 'President Trump and Secretary Noem are committed to restoring integrity to the visa program and ensuring it is not abused to allow aliens a permanent one-way ticket to remain in the U.S.' 'The United States is offering illegal aliens $1,000 and a free flight to self-deport now. We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return.' Overstaying a U.S. visa by more than a year is classed as 'unlawful presence,' which can trigger a 10-year bar from re-entering the country if the person leaves.] But the singer's loved ones insist she meets the legal requirements to remain in the US. 'Under Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) there's a provision that allows people who entered the country and applied for a green card before 2001 to re-apply for legal status while still in the US, even if they overstayed their visa. Jane meets the requirements for 245(i) and is 'grandfathered' in.' Donald Trump's second term as US president has been largely characterised by his immigration and border control agenda. Ms Eugene's detention comes as thousands of immigrants to the US have been arrested, detained and deported. Loose Ends' biggest hit by far was in 1985 with Hangin' on a String (Contemplating), which topped the U.S. Billboard R&B chart, the first British band ever to do so. It also reached number 13 in the UK top twenty. The trio began in London in 1980 with vocalist and guitarist Carl McIntosh, singer Ms Eugene, and keyboard player Steve Nichol. The group was originally titled Loose End, but changed its name to Loose Ends in 1983 and were signed to Virgin Records. The group split up and eventually reunited to appear on a single by hip-hop producer Pete Rock called 'Take Your Time' in 1998. Two years ago, promoting a forthcoming gig with the Average White Band (AWB), Jane told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that her main advice to young music hopefuls was to compose their own music. 'Really, it's a way to create your own pension fund,' she said, noting that publishing residuals can continue to be collected even when your career has ended. She told the newspaper she was influenced by many black artists from the United States. 'I was just a toddler when the Beatles were the thing, so that explains why I don't claim them as major influences,' she said. Eugene and her co-band members - Steve Nichol and Carl McIntosh - were heavily influenced by the American soul stars of the late '70s and early '80s, namely Luther Vandross, Angela Winbush, Phyllis Hyman and Aretha Franklin. She said: 'My favourite song from her is 'Ain't No Way,' she added. 'You talkin' about feelin' her soul!' A South African singer named Twyla was another major influence, she said. Discussing her current band, she said: 'When we play Pittsburgh, they'll immediately recognize the first four or five tunes from our setlist,' she said, citing 'Slow Down,' 'Stay While Child,' Hangin' on a String,' 'You Can't Stop the Rain' and 'Mr. Bachelor.' But in 2022, fellow former Loose Ends founder Carl McIntosh sued Jane Eugene in a New York court, accusing her of trademark infringement by using the name Loose Ends in her promotional material. Jane Eugene vigorously defended the lawsuit, claiming 'fair use' and the case continues. Her Facebook and Instagram accounts have not been updated since April, when she and the group played a gig in Atlanta. Ms McLaughlin hinted that Jane Eugene's high-profile case could be used as an example to publicise US President Donald Trump's new hardline approach to illegal aliens and overstayers, including a carrot-and-stick offer of a $1,000 sweetener and a free flight home to those who give themselves up. She added: 'President Trump and DHS Secretary [Kristi] Noem are committed to restoring integrity to the visa program and ensuring it is not abused to allow aliens a permanent one-way ticket to remain in the U.S. 'Illegal aliens can take control of their departure with the CBP Home App. The United States is offering illegal aliens $1,000 and a free flight to self-deport now. 'We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return.' MailOnline contacted various legal and business contacts for Ms Eugene. The singer's ordeal also comes four months after a British backpacker's dream trip turned into a nightmare when she was detained by ICE agents at the Canadian border, after being classified as an 'illegal alien'. Becky Burke, 28, had attempted to cross the border into Canada with an 'incorrect visa' on February 26, with her parents telling the BBC that she had been getting free accommodation for helping families with chores. Her father believed that in doing so she had essentially broken the terms of her tourist visa waiver, which bans holidaymakers from doing work while in the US. It also comes as British tourists planning trips to the US were warned of increasingly tough questioning at border control that could see them barred from entry or even detained amid Trump's immigration crackdown. US border officials have been using more aggressive methods with holidaymakers and legal immigrants, with the Trump administration calling it 'enhanced vetting', according to the New York Times.
Daily Mail
15-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Irish father-of-three 'is detained for three months by US ICE officials and "treated less than human" in brutal prison after overstaying his visa by three days when he was too ill to fly'
An Irish father-of-three has described how he spent around 100 days behind bars in horrific conditions after being detained by United States immigration officials. The man, named only as Thomas, says he overstayed his 90-day tourist visa by only three days when a brush with police saw him taken into Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. The tech worker travelled from Ireland to West Virginia to visit his girlfriend last autumn, and had planned to return home in October, The Guardian reports. But when he badly tore his calf, causing severe swelling and making it difficult to walk, his doctor reportedly told him not to travel for eight to twelve weeks due to the risk of blood clots. This took his stay under the US visa waiver programme just over the December 8 authorisation cut off, according to the report. Thomas got paperwork from his doctor to prove his reasons for overstaying and is said to have attempted to contact both the Irish and US embassies, but did not hear back due to it being short notice. He said he was preparing to return home when, during a hotel stay to visit his girlfriend's family in Georgia, he had a mental health episode and a row erupted between him and his girlfriend. The police were called and he was detained, then released on bond. But rather than being allowed to walk free he was taken in by immigration officials, who saw his visa status and sent him 100 miles away to an ICE processing centre, it is reported. He signed a form and agreed to be removed from the US and return to Ireland, his attorney reportedly said. But instead of being deported, he continued to be held by ICE. He described harsh conditions at their facility in Folkston, GA, including only getting one hour of outdoor time a week and enduring a five-day lockdown which meant he was not allowed to contact his family. In February, after around two months in the facility, Thomas and around 50 other detainees were moved to a holding cell. 'I thought I was finally going home,' he reportedly said, calling his family to tell them the news. But instead he and the dozens of other ICE were transported some four hours away to a federal correctional institution in Atlanta run by the US Bureau of Prisons (BoP), he claimed. He said the prison, which houses criminal defendants but was opened up to ICE detainees as part of the Trump administration's efforts to increase detentions. Thomas claimed that the conditions and treatment he received at the jail were far worse than in his previous facility. 'The staff didn't know why we were there and they were treating us exactly as they would treat BoP prisoners, and they told us that,' Thomas said. 'We were treated less than human.' He described being frequently hungry, saying the food was 'disgusting slop' made up of 'mysterious meat that at times appeared to have chunks of bones and other inedible items mixed in'. There were inadequate clothes, he said, with the facility allegedly only giving him a used, ripped underwear and a jumpsuit and no shirt. Each detainee was only given a single toilet paper roll a week, he claimed, and he was often cold with only a thin blanket for warmth. Despite requiring medical visits, he said he and others never saw a doctor, and that he heard people crying for help but not getting any from staff. He said that for some time he did not receive the psychiatric medication he requested, and that when he did staff would throw the pill under his door. Inmates' recreation time would be in an enclosure that 'resembles an indoor cage,' he related to The Guardian, telling the newspaper: 'You couldn't see the outside whatsoever. I didn't see the sky for weeks.' When ICE representatives would come to the facility once a week to talk to the detainees, he said, the situation was 'pandemonium', with people crowding around to try to speak and no translators for people who did not speak English or Spanish. Thomas was unable to speak to his kids due to there being no international calls, he said, adding: 'I don't know how I made it through.' He was moved to another ICE facility in mid-March for a brief period, he said, before finally being taken on a flight back to Ireland by two armed federal officers. MailOnline has contacted ICE and the US government for comment on the claims. It comes after an Irish woman was detained by ICE for 17 days, despite having a valid green card and having lived in California since the age of 12. Cliona Ward, 54, was detained by customs officers in Seattle on March 19 because of a criminal record dating back almost 20 years. She had returned from a seven-day trip to County Cork in the southwest of Ireland after escorting her 86-year-old step-mother, Janet, to visit her ailing husband, Owen Ward, 81, who is dying of dementia. There she was questioned regarding drug and theft related convictions, including misdemeanor charges from 2007 and 2008. She explained to officials that the crimes had been expunged from her record and was subsequently released but told to provide proof in person at a later date. She returned to the Customs and Border Protection office at SFO airport in San Francisco on April 21 for an 'administrative hearing', where she was detained. Eventually, a California judge agreed to an application for the original convictions to be formally overturned at a federal level, enabling her eventual release. ICE has this week furiously denied claims that detainees are 'starving' in detention centres. A recent NBC News report, based on testimony from immigration advocates, claimed that detainees have had to deal with overcrowding, food shortages and spoiled food at detention centers in at least seven states. After the outlet published the story early Monday morning, Homeland Security took to its X account and criticised the network, denying the claims in its report. The report cited a former ICE official, who it said had told the outlet that detention facilities struggle to stay stocked up with food when new illegal migrants are brought in. 'While the agency can move money around to cover the cost of detaining more immigrants, planning for unexpected daily spikes can be difficult for facilities and could lead to food being served late or in small quantities,' the outlet reported, per the source.
