More Rallies Planned To Support Fernando Mejia Detained By ICE Last Month

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — More rallies are planned starting next week to call for the release of Fernando Mejia from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody.

Mejia, a manager at Shmear Bagel & Cafe in Port Washington, was arrested by ICE agents last month.

On Wednesday, Mejia's lawyer Bryan Pu-Folkes said his client will not immediately be deported, Newsday said.

A spokesperson would not comment on that report, only referring to the initial statement, which said:

"U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement encountered Fernando Alberto Mejia-Flores, a Salvadorian national, during a daily routine law enforcement action in the vicinity of Port Washington, June 12. Mejia-Flores was identified as a fugitive alien with a Final Order of Removal. ICE arrested him and transported him to an ICE processing facility in Central Islip, New York.

U.S. immigration laws allow aliens to pursue relief from removal; however, once they have exhausted all due process and appeals, the aliens remain subject to a final order of removal and ICE must carry out that order."

Organized by the Port Washington Democratic Club, rallies are expected to take place weekly "for those who are suffering at the hands of a lawless administration," a release stated.

They plan to "shine a light on their dehumanizing policies. We will continue to stand and fight for our community members in need, like Fernando Mejia, and for others who have been impacted," the Port Washington Democratic Club said.

Monday's peaceful demonstration is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Port Washington Long Island Railroad Station.