ICE Detention Release Resolution

At a glance

• What: Resolution 26-156 calling for the immediate release from ICE detention in Atlanta of a Medford resident and longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Medford, detained on August 29, 2026 on a return flight to Boston while a green card application was in progress.
• Where it stands: Approved September 15, 2026, 7-0. The resolution offers the Council's strongest endorsement of his release so he can continue the green card process, and condemns the detention.
• Offered by Councilor Leming, President Bears and Councilor Tseng. Leming moved, Tseng seconded.

Detail

• The resolution says no reason for the detention was given to his wife, who is working with an attorney; that his family and the church, which ran a letter-writing campaign, are distressed; and that the community is distressed by what it calls the latest of many unlawful detentions by ICE in the area.
• Eight people addressed the Council: Simon Alcindor, Ilene Lerner, Josh Eckersley, Andrew Castagnetti, Micah Kesselman, Ray Bennett, Javi Siddiqui and Stephanie H. The record lists names only.
• The minutes do not record the outcome of his case.

Sources

• City Council regular meeting minutes, September 15, 2026: https://medfordma.api.civicclerk.com/v1/Meetings/GetMeetingFileStream(fileId=981,plainText=false)

Log

2026-09-15 - City Council

Resolution 26-156 approved 7-0 after eight speakers.