Beloved pastor arrested by ICE: ‘A profound injustice,’ says family friend

EASTON, Md. – Pastor Daniel Fuentes Espinal, a beloved figure in Easton, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Monday morning. Len Foxwell, a close family friend, shared that Espinal has no criminal history, and claims Espinal was given no prior warning before his arrest.

He was reportedly working to obtain a green card, as his visa had expired.

Espinal, known for his dedication to helping others by providing food, shelter, and support to local residents, is currently being held in Baltimore. Foxwell explained that Espinal’s family was left in the dark about his whereabouts and was close to filing a missing person report.

“He was immediately transported to a holding facility in Salisbury, and then transferred to the ICE detention center in Baltimore, where he remains,” Foxwell said. “Our concern is that, given how ICE has handled similar cases recently, he could be moved out of state — perhaps to Louisiana, Arkansas, or Texas — in just a matter of days, if not hours.”

Foxwell described the detention as a profound injustice.

“He’s a cherished member of our community, a leader in this tight-knit town. To have him taken away without any clear reason is both devastating and terrifying. If it can happen to Pastor Espinal, it can happen to anyone,” Foxwell said.

Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis is scheduled to make a statement on Friday regarding ICE activity in Salisbury.