Brooklyn, New York — A Brooklyn church leader’s detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has sparked protests from local officials and community members, as federal immigration enforcement continues across New York City.
City Council member Susan Zhuang said Sebastian Ordonez, a 58-year-old deacon originally from Guatemala, was detained by ICE agents Thursday morning after leaving his apartment building. According to Zhuang, Ordonez lacks legal immigration status but has lived in Brooklyn for nearly two decades and has no known history of violent crime. His family and supporters describe him as a longtime, active member of the local community.
Ordonez’s attorney, Michael Musa-Obregon, acknowledged that his client may not have lawful status but argued that immigration enforcement must still respect constitutional protections. He criticized what he described as racial profiling, saying individuals should not be targeted based on appearance or assumptions.
Zhuang, along with Bishop Salgado and other community leaders, gathered Friday to call for Ordonez’s release and an end to what they describe as aggressive federal immigration actions. Zhuang accused President Donald Trump’s administration of violating due process, saying legal protections should apply regardless of immigration status.
The detention comes as federal authorities implement broader immigration measures, including a visa ban affecting dozens of countries deemed likely to require public assistance. PIX11 News reported that it reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for details on Ordonez’s detention, but no response had been provided at the time of publication.
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