New Jersey Pastor Detained by ICE

Yeison Cortes Vasquez, a pastor at The Gathering Place Church in Elizabeth, New Jersey, was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 20th. The detention occurred while Vasquez was at his day job, according to members of his congregation.

Details of the Detention

According to officials from the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, Vasquez has no criminal record. Since his detention, he has reportedly been ministering to other detainees at the Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark.

DHS Statement on Immigration Status

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated that Vasquez illegally entered the United States in January 2016 from Colombia. The spokesperson further stated that Vasquez overstayed a tourist visa that expired in July 2016.

“Against our nation’s laws, he knowingly overstayed his visa by nearly a decade and failed to depart. He will remain in ICE custody pending his removal procedures,” the DHS statement read.

Response to Claims of Religious Restrictions

The DHS spokesperson addressed allegations that Vasquez was denied access to a Bible while in detention, stating, “Any allegation that Cortes Vasquez was denied a bible while in detention are FALSE. ICE facilities do not deny detainees accesses to holy coverings or texts.”

The spokesperson affirmed that detainees are given opportunities to practice their religions and receive permitted religious items upon request.

Church Response and Legal Action

Church leaders are urgently seeking Vasquez’s release before Easter Sunday. “For us, this is devastating because this is our holy week,” said the Rev. Dan Mendez. “This is the week we are celebrating the death and resurrection of our Lord. The church is devastated.”

Rev. Mendez added, “Instead of celebrating our spiritual holiday, we are crying and praying for the situation of our dear brother.” The National Latino Evangelical Coalition has announced plans to retain an attorney for Vasquez.