NYC Man Detained by ICE to Be Released on Bond After Over 2 Months

Allan Dabrio Marrero, a Brooklyn resident originally from the Cayman Islands, will return home to his husband after being held in ICE custody since November.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:15pm

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More than two months after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement following a routine green card interview, a Brooklyn man is finally set to return home to his husband. Allan Dabrio Marrero, originally from the Cayman Islands, was granted a $6,000 bond by a judge after the Department of Homeland Security initially opposed his release.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants navigating the U.S. immigration system, as well as the importance of community support and advocacy in securing the release of detainees. Marrero's detention and eventual release on bond also raise questions about ICE's practices and the treatment of individuals awaiting immigration hearings.

The details

Dabrio Marrero was detained by ICE on November 24 after attending a routine green card interview in Manhattan. He was initially held in New Jersey but was later moved to different facilities, including one in Florida that his husband referred to as "Alligator Alcatraz". During a virtual hearing on Tuesday, a judge granted Dabrio Marrero's release on a $6,000 bond, citing his strong community support as a factor in the decision.

  • Dabrio Marrero was detained by ICE on November 24, 2025.
  • He has been in ICE custody for more than 2 months, since November 24, 2025.
  • The virtual hearing where Dabrio Marrero was granted bond took place on January 28, 2026.

The players

Allan Dabrio Marrero

A Brooklyn resident originally from the Cayman Islands who was detained by ICE after a routine green card interview.

Matthew Marrero

Allan Dabrio Marrero's husband, who was waiting in Mississippi for his husband's release.

Alexandra Rizio

The supervising immigration attorney for Make the Road New York, who represented Dabrio Marrero.

Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis

The senior minister at Middle Church in the East Village, where congregants gathered to support Dabrio Marrero.

Sandra Santana

A congregant at Middle Church who expressed the community's support for Dabrio Marrero.

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What they’re saying

“We love each other. We stand together. We help each other.”

— Sandra Santana, Congregant, Middle Church (CBS News New York)

“The judge said it's clear that he has community support, and that was one of the factors that he weighed when granting Allan bond.”

— Alexandra Rizio, Supervising Immigration Attorney, Make the Road New York (CBS News New York)

“I believe prayer works and I believe activism works, and I think we did all of that.”

— Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, Senior Minister, Middle Church (CBS News New York)

“I'm very grateful, and it's a long time coming. Today is Day 64. Who's counting?”

— Matthew Marrero (CBS News New York)

“The trauma that we both have endured, especially my husband, is gonna have its impact. And we're still scared ... but we are going to take full advantage of our life and the pathway that has been set for us.”

— Matthew Marrero (CBS News New York)

What’s next

Once released, Allan Dabrio Marrero and his husband Matthew Marrero plan to return to New York, where Dabrio Marrero intends to study nursing. The Middle Church community also plans to hold a celebration to welcome the couple back.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants in the U.S. immigration system, as well as the importance of community support and advocacy in securing the release of detainees. It also raises questions about ICE's practices and the treatment of individuals awaiting immigration hearings.