Two Cuban pastors detained by ICE during routine immigration appointment in Texas
Mar 31, 2026·Location: Harlingen, TX
Country of origin: Cuba

Lester Pérez Sánchez and Ismaray Paz Torres, a Cuban pastor couple who arrived in the U.S. in 2021 seeking asylum and hold I-220A status, were detained by ICE on March 31, 2026, during what they believed was a routine supervision appointment in Harlingen, Texas. Both hold work permits and operate a tire repair workshop in Ingleside. They have been held at El Valle Detention Center in Raymondville since their arrest. The Ingleside community, including the mayor, has rallied for their release.
Timeline
Sources
- ICE detains two Cuban pastors in Texas during immigration processing
en.cibercuba.com·May 5, 2026·archived copy
- Two Cuban Pastors Detained by ICE in Texas During Immigration Check
cubaheadlines.com·May 5, 2026·archived copy
- Two Cuban pastors detained by ICE while pursuing green cards, Ingleside community rallies for return
kristv.com·May 4, 2026·archived copy
- CourtListener
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