Federal immigration enforcement actions under President Donald Trump are drawing renewed attention after a Brooklyn church deacon was detained this week by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to local officials.
New York City Council member Susan Zhuang said the individual, 58-year-old Sebastian Ordonez, was taken into custody Thursday morning after ICE agents encountered him outside his apartment building. Authorities reportedly determined that Ordonez did not have lawful immigration status in the United States.
Ordonez, originally from Guatemala, has lived in the Brooklyn area for nearly 20 years, according to family members and supporters. Those close to him say he has no known history of violent criminal activity and has been involved in his local church and community for many years.
His attorney, Michael Musa-Obregon, acknowledged that Ordonez may not have legal authorization to remain in the country but emphasized that immigration enforcement actions are still subject to due process protections under U.S. law. He stated that individuals detained by federal authorities are entitled to hearings and legal review.
Following the detention, Zhuang joined religious leaders and local activists, including Bishop Salgado, at a public gathering on Friday calling for Ordonez’s release and urging federal officials to reconsider current enforcement priorities. Speakers at the event expressed concern about the broader impact of immigration enforcement on long-established community members.
The incident comes amid ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement during President Trump’s second term, including renewed border security efforts, deportation initiatives, and visa restrictions affecting multiple countries deemed likely to rely on public assistance programs.
Local outlet PIX11 News, a sister station of The Hill, reported that it contacted the Department of Homeland Security seeking additional details about the detention. As of publication, DHS had not issued a public response.