Gay couple reunited after 150 days in ICE detention: ‘Terrified every night’
Allan Marrero has been reunited with his husband (Image: X/nycpa)
Allan Michael Marrero has been reunited with his husband Matthew after spending 150 days in ICE detention following a routine green card appointment in New York City.
Marrero marked his return with a celebratory press conference at Middle Church in New York City, at which he thanked Matthew “for not allowing me to give up on myself”. He added: “Thank you, I love you,” as supporters gathered to welcome him home, as per ABC7.
At the event, Marrero described the fear and physical strain of detention. He said he was “terrified every night” and that he “was transferred from the federal building in New York City to New Jersey; to New Jersey to Arizona; to Texas; to Florida Alligator Alcatraz; to Natchez, Mississippi.”
Marrero told the crowd: “The transfers that occurred every night took a physical toll,” adding: “This is where they would chain you by your ankles, connected to your waist, connected to your wrists for up to eight hours at a time.”
His attorney Alex Rizio said Marrero has “absolutely no criminal history”.
Green card appointment arrest
The couple’s ordeal began after an interview in November 2025, as part of Marrero’s green card process. Marrero immigrated from the Cayman Islands and married Matthew two years ago. He then began the legal process for a green card.
Matthew said they brought extensive evidence of their relationship, including “a three-inch binder of our entire life — photos, letters, everything”, but recalled the interview became tense.
He said: “I looked over at my husband when she asked how we met — just instinct. He’s the love of my life,” adding: “She snapped her fingers in my face and said, ‘Don’t look at him.’ We’re telling our love story, and I’m not even allowed to look at my husband.”
Rizio said Marrero “didn’t realise that he had a removal order in his name”, adding: “When you have a removal order, it means ICE can pick you up at any moment. He walked into that interview completely unaware that he was at risk of being arrested on the spot.”
Homecoming and calls to free others
At the press conference, Marrero said he sometimes still sits quiet “because I’m so used to it, not wanting to upset the guards”.
Rep. Dan Goldman attended the event and said 30 others had been released along with Marrero. In an X post, he wrote: “Allan’s story is a reminder that our immigration system is being weaponised against those simply trying to follow the rules,” adding: “I will continue to use every tool in Congress to fight back and push for true accountability and reform.”
Matthew said the couple would keep pushing for others still detained: “Love has brought him home,” he said. “But justice still has work to do.”
Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.
