Volunteer firefighters, pastors, and journalists — pillars of their communities — are being detained by ICE under Trump’s immigration policies. Here’s their story and what it means for immigrant rights.
Table of Contents
ICE arrests 2025 | Trump immigration crackdown
Introduction
America is witnessing one of the toughest immigration crackdowns in recent history. Under President Donald Trump’s latest policies, volunteer firefighters, beloved pastors, and respected journalists — individuals who have served their communities for decades — are now being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
For many families, this wave of detentions has turned lives upside down. Parents are being separated from their children, and community leaders who once stood as pillars of hope and service now face uncertain futures.
This report dives deep into the cases of Milton Guamarrigra, Mario Guevara, and Pastor Daniel Fuentes Espinal — three prominent figures whose stories reflect the human toll of immigration enforcement in America.
The Rising Wave of ICE Arrests
Since early 2025, ICE has intensified its nationwide operations targeting undocumented immigrants. According to immigration advocates, many detainees are long-time U.S. residents with strong community ties.
Trump’s administration claims that these arrests are necessary for national security. However, critics argue that these detentions are tearing families apart, criminalizing people who have contributed positively to American society, and creating a climate of fear in immigrant communities.
Case 1: Milton Guamarrigra — A Volunteer Firefighter Detained
In Port Chester, New York, Milton Guamarrigra was known as a family man, a marble installer, and most importantly, a volunteer firefighter. He spent years putting out fires, protecting lives, and helping his neighbors.
But earlier this month, ICE officers arrested Milton as he was leaving his home for work. His family was shocked, and his community devastated.
Community Support and Legal Battle
- A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $13,000 to support Milton’s legal fees.
- Port Chester Mayor Luis Marino publicly defended Milton, writing a letter praising his volunteer service and good character.
- Friends describe him as a man who “was there when the community needed him most.”
However, court records revealed two past DUI convictions from 2003 and 2006. While ICE cites these as reasons for his detention, supporters argue that Milton has rebuilt his life, serves his community selflessly, and deserves a second chance.
Case 2: Mario Guevara — The Journalist Silenced
Mario Guevara, a veteran journalist in Atlanta, Georgia, has spent two decades reporting on immigration, protests, and law enforcement for Spanish-language outlets.
With 782,000 Facebook followers and his own digital outlet MG News, Guevara became a voice for marginalized communities. But on June 14, while livestreaming a protest, he was arrested — despite wearing a press badge.
Why Was Mario Guevara Targeted?
- He was charged with unlawful assembly, obstruction, and improperly entering a pedestrian roadway.
- All charges were dropped, yet Guevara remains detained by ICE.
- Advocates claim he’s being punished for his journalism.
According to the ACLU and the Committee to Protect Journalists, Guevara is currently in isolation at the Folkston ICE Processing Center. He has three children and is the sole provider for his family.
“The government’s refusal to release Guevara sends a chilling message to journalists covering immigration,” said Katherine Jacobsen from the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Case 3: Pastor Daniel Fuentes Espinal — A Spiritual Leader Torn Away
In Easton, Maryland, Pastor Daniel Fuentes Espinal has spent decades helping the homeless, feeding the hungry, and providing shelter to struggling families. A father of three, Daniel came to the U.S. from Honduras in 2001 seeking safety and opportunity.
On July 21, ICE agents arrested him for overstaying his visa — nearly 24 years after he arrived.
Community Outrage and His Release
- Pastor Espinal’s supporters wrote dozens of letters urging his release.
- On August 15, he was freed from custody after significant public pressure.
- He has no criminal record and has been paying taxes faithfully for years.
Len Foxwell, a close family friend, stated:
“If something like this can happen to someone like Pastor Espinal, nobody is safe.”
Now, Daniel is working with attorneys to secure a green card so he can remain in the U.S. legally and continue serving his community.
The Bigger Picture — Fear Among Immigrant Communities
These cases highlight a troubling reality:
- Hardworking, law-abiding immigrants are being detained despite years of service to society.
- Families are being torn apart overnight.
- Community organizations are left scrambling to raise funds and provide legal aid.
Advocates warn that this crackdown undermines public trust, as immigrants may fear calling the police, reporting crimes, or even seeking medical care.
What Happens Next?
Immigration attorneys believe these cases could set precedents for future enforcement actions. Advocacy groups, including the ACLU, are pushing for:
- Greater transparency in ICE operations
- Protections for long-term residents with clean records
- Stronger rights for journalists and community leaders
For now, families continue to fight, communities continue to rally, and the debate over immigration policy grows louder every day.
FAQs
1. Why is ICE detaining community leaders like Milton, Mario, and Daniel?
ICE claims these arrests are part of Trump’s broader immigration crackdown, but critics argue these individuals are being unjustly targeted despite positive contributions to society.
2. Can legal residents or work-authorized immigrants still be detained?
Yes. Even immigrants with work permits or pending green card applications can face ICE detention if their status isn’t fully permanent.
3. What can communities do to support detainees?
Communities are raising funds, contacting lawmakers, and sharing detainees’ stories to pressure authorities into granting legal protections.
Conclusion
The detention of these community heroes highlights a growing divide in America’s immigration policies. For families, it’s a fight for survival. For advocates, it’s a battle for justice. And for society, it’s a reminder that compassion and fairness must guide policy decisions.
As the debate over immigration reform continues, these stories stand as powerful reminders of the people behind the headlines — the firefighters, pastors, and journalists who make up the fabric of our communities.