DHS Defies Judge's Order to Release Brooklyn Man Detained by ICE

Allan Dabrio Marrero, a Brooklyn resident and church congregant, remains in custody despite a federal judge granting him bail

Jan. 29, 2026 at 2:47pm

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The federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is refusing to release a Brooklyn man, Allan Dabrio Marrero, who was detained by ICE last year over a missed court appointment. Despite a judge ordering Marrero's release on $6,000 bail on January 27, DHS has filed a stay to block the bond, defying the judge's order.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the federal government's immigration enforcement efforts and the rulings of the judicial system. It raises questions about the extent of DHS's authority to defy court orders and the rights of immigrants who are detained, even those married to U.S. citizens.

The details

Marrero, a congregant at the Middle Collegiate Church in the East Village, was detained in November 2025 when he and his husband, Matthew Marrero, appeared for a Green Card application. He has since been transferred to various detention facilities, including the infamous 'Alligator Alcatraz' in Florida, before ending up in Mississippi. On January 27, a judge granted Marrero bail, but DHS has filed a stay to block the bond, arguing that he missed a previous court appointment, which was the original reason for his detention.

  • Marrero was detained by ICE in November 2025.
  • On January 27, 2026, a judge granted Marrero $6,000 bail.
  • DHS filed a stay to block Marrero's release on January 28, 2026.

The players

Allan Dabrio Marrero

A Brooklyn resident and congregant at the Middle Collegiate Church who was detained by ICE in November 2025 over a missed court appointment.

Matthew Marrero

Allan Marrero's husband, who has been supporting him during his detention and is fighting for his release.

Middle Collegiate Church

The East Village church that has been supporting the Marreros during their battle to stay together.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement that is refusing to release Marrero despite the judge's order.

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What they’re saying

“They can try to pause us, but they cannot stop us. My husband is super strong and I'm getting emotional, but he is very strong, and he's aware of what's going on.”

— Matthew Marrero (amNewYork)

“I was absolutely heartbroken. I was shocked when I got the text from Alex, the lawyer, you know, it was eight o'clock at night, and we were still checking in with Matthew, assuming that at any moment we would see a picture, a selfie, of him and Allan reunited. He was set to leave this morning and begin his road trip back home.”

— Rev. Amanda Hambrick Ashcraft (amNewYork)

What’s next

The church and Marrero's legal team are working on a new legal strategy to secure his release, and they remain hopeful that he will ultimately be freed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the federal government's immigration enforcement efforts and the rulings of the judicial system, raising questions about the extent of DHS's authority to defy court orders and the rights of immigrants, even those married to U.S. citizens.