Salvadoran construction worker with TPS detained, held on cell floor with 50 others
Jun 15, 2026 · East Boston, MA, El Salvador
DetainmentTemporary Protected StatusWork AuthorizationWorkplaceDetention ConditionsOfficer MisconductMassachusetts
José Pineda, originally from El Salvador with Temporary Protected Status and over 30 years in the U.S., was detained by ICE agents while working his construction job despite having no criminal record and a valid work permit. He was held in Burlington's ICE office for two days and slept on the floor of a cell with at least 50 other people. ICE agents told him that only people born in the U.S. have rights and that his work permit did not matter. After two days of public pressure and advocacy by Centro Presente, Pineda was released, but his family remains fearful of going out in public.
Sources
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