Bronx Food Pantry Leader Detained by ICE, Community Rallies for Release

Alex Nilaj, the longtime leader of the Open Hand food pantry serving the Morris Park and Pelham Parkway neighbourhoods of the Bronx, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement after an immigration hearing at 26 Federal Plaza. He is being held at Delaney Hall. The Department of Homeland Security identified Nilaj as an undocumented immigrant from Albania who entered the United States 20 years ago and overstayed his visa. An immigration judge had ordered his removal in 2008, but no enforcement followed until now. Nilaj is not accused of any criminal offence. The Open Hand pantry distributes fresh produce and staples to approximately 8,000 people each month; since his detention the facility has grown noticeably quieter. Nilaj has a wife and children. Representative Richie Torres called him 'one of us' and criticised directing enforcement against someone who has spent two decades feeding neighbours. Community members launched a petition and his attorney is filing a habeas petition. No court date had been set as of Tuesday.