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Pastor detained by ICE while helping congregation member, daughter disputes visa overstay claim

Apr 23, 2026 · Portland, ME, Angola

Pastor detained by ICE while helping congregation member, daughter disputes visa overstay claim

Rufino Beca, a 59-year-old pastor from Angola who arrived in the U.S. in 2017, was detained by ICE agents on April 20, 2026, outside a store on St. John's Street in Portland, Maine. Beca leads two Assembly of God congregations in Biddeford and Portland. He was apprehended while collecting funds to help another congregation member held in immigration custody. DHS stated he overstayed a six-month tourist visa. His daughter disputes this claim, stating he is an asylum seeker with no criminal record. Beca remains held at Strafford County Jail in Dover, New Hampshire.

Timeline

Apr 23, 2026Beca remained held at Strafford County Jail in Dover, New Hampshire; DHS claimed overstay of six-month tourist visa; daughter stated he is asylum seeker with no criminal record
Apr 20, 2026ICE agents apprehended pastor Rufino Beca outside store on St. John's Street in Portland, Maine while he was collecting funds to help congregation member in immigration custody

Sources

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