Freed after six months: LGBTQ+ asylum seeker reunites with husband post-ICE detention
Allan Michael Marrero, a man originally from the Cayman Islands, was freed from ICE custody on Tuesday after nearly six months in detention. His release came after a long legal battle that began when he was detained during a routine green card interview. Friends, family, and supporters gathered to welcome him home as he reunited with his husband and community. Marrero’s ordeal started on November 24, 2022, when ICE took him into custody during what was meant to be a standard green card interview. Despite living in the U.S. for over a decade, he had been seeking asylum based on his LGBTQ+ identity. In January 2023, a judge granted him release on bond, yet ICE refused to accept the payment, keeping him locked up for months longer.
While in custody, Marrero was transferred between five different detention facilities. His husband, Matthew Marrero, later spoke about the emotional strain of the separation but also expressed deep gratitude for the community’s support. Immigration attorney Alexandra Rizio and Marrero’s church played key roles in pushing for his eventual release. On May 23, 2023, Marrero finally walked free. His first moments outside detention were met with cheers from supporters who had campaigned tirelessly for his return. The couple now plans to use their experience to advocate for others facing similar struggles while continuing the fight for Allan’s green card.
Marrero’s release marks the end of a difficult chapter, but his legal journey is not yet over. He and his husband have made it clear they will keep pushing for his permanent residency. Their case highlights the challenges faced by many LGBTQ+ asylum seekers navigating the U.S. immigration system.
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