ICE Releases Leave Detainees Stranded Far From Home; Families Forced To Pay Thousands

A reader’s letter criticizes ICE for releasing detainees far from home without providing transportation or funds, citing Pastor Daniel Fuentes Espinal whose family paid thousands to bring him back to Maryland. The author notes ICE frequently transfers detainees to states like Texas and Louisiana, often placing them far from transportation hubs and their communities. Released individuals are often left to rely on overburdened shelters, volunteer groups, or family members to cover travel costs while ICE does not assume responsibility. The letter calls on legislators to hold ICE accountable and require the agency to provide or cover transportation for released detainees.