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Brazilian father freed after seven months in ICE detention, granted green card

Aug 16, 2026·Location: ME

Country of origin: Brazil

Brazilian father freed after seven months in ICE detention, granted green card
Photo via phoenixnewtimes.com

Marcos Gaspar-Da Silva, a general contractor and former attorney from Brazil living in Bridgton, Maine, was detained by ICE on January 20 after being pulled over in Portland during an enforcement operation. He had a pending asylum case, no criminal record, and a marriage-based green card petition filed by his U.S. citizen wife, Alessia. Over nearly seven months in custody, he was transferred through facilities in Massachusetts, Louisiana and Arizona, where he and his wife described overcrowding, unsanitary conditions and inadequate medical care, including going untreated for a toothache until the tooth was pulled and losing more than 26 pounds. U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree's staff supported Alessia and helped expedite his petition while pressing officials about his medical care. In August, an immigration judge granted him adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident through his wife's petition, and he was released on August 13, reuniting with his wife and 11-year-old daughter, though he described lasting emotional numbness and difficulty eating and sleeping.

Timeline

Aug 13, 2026—Released from ICE custody in Arizona and reunited with wife and daughter
Aug 12, 2026—Immigration judge granted adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident through wife's petition
Jan 20, 2026—Detained by ICE agents in Portland, Maine after a traffic stop during an enforcement operation
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