Maine pastor released on bond after ICE detention, awaits asylum decision
Aug 14, 2025·Location: Westbrook, ME
Country of origin: DR Congo

Michel Tshimankinda, a pastor at Restoration Church of Maine in South Portland, was released on bond after spending 16 days in ICE custody following his August 13 detention. Tshimankinda, who arrived in 2016 on a tourist visa from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, says he applied for asylum while his visa was still active and has been awaiting a decision. He has returned to lead his church while his asylum case is pending. ICE states he overstayed his visa by nine years, while Tshimankinda maintains his asylum application was filed before the visa expired.
Sources
- ICE agents in Maine arrest local pastor who supported immigrant community
stage.pressherald.com·Aug 19, 2025·archived copy
pressherald.com·Aug 19, 2025·archived copy
- South Portland Pastor from Congo Arrested by ICE for Overstaying 2016 Temporary Visa
themainewire.com·Aug 20, 2025·archived copy
- 'We keep praying for him': Westbrook church pastor detained by ICE
mynbc15.com·Aug 20, 2025·archived copy
- 'I came to experience the love of God': Maine pastor out on bond after ICE detainment
WGME·Sep 9, 2025·archived copy
- Pastor who founded South Portland church detained by ICE
WMTW·Aug 21, 2025·archived copy
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