Gay asylum seeker detained at green card interview, held for months despite judge's bond order
May 15, 2026·Location: New York, NY

Allan Dabrio Marrero, a gay asylum seeker from the Cayman Islands, was detained by ICE on November 24, 2024, immediately after attending a marriage-based green card interview at 26 Federal Plaza in New York City with his U.S. citizen husband Matthew. Although USCIS approved his marriage petition, ICE agents arrested him outside the building after discovering a 2022 removal order that Marrero claims he never received—he states he was in a rehabilitation center when the hearing occurred. Advocates and faith leaders, including Make the Road New York and Middle Collegiate Church, called for his release, citing ICE's failure to provide prescribed medication for anxiety and depression and the lack of notice regarding the original hearing. A motion to reopen his deportation case paused removal proceedings but did not secure immediate release. A judge granted Marrero release on $6,000 bond on January 27, 2026, finding no flight risk given his clean record and marriage to a U.S. citizen. However, ICE refused to accept the bond payment and continued his detention across five facilities. Marrero was finally released on May 15, 2026, reuniting with his husband at Middle Collegiate Church after nearly five months in custody.
Timeline
Sources
- CBS News
- Faith Leaders Demand Release of LGBTQ Asylum Seeker Detained at Green Card Interview
goodfaithmedia.org·Dec 10, 2025·archived copy
- Gay man detained by ICE, prompting husband and advocates to speak out
gaycitynews.com·Dec 12, 2025·archived copy
- Free at Last!!!
jacquilewis.substack.com·Jan 27, 2026·archived copy
- brooklyneagle.com
- Allan Dabrio Marrero released from ICE custody, reunited with husband at Middle Church on 7th Street
- ICE DETENTION SEEMS UNFAIR FOR GAY IMMIGRANT | Hotspots Magazine
hotspotsmagazine.com·Dec 29, 2025·archived copy
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