ROCHSTER, Minn. – One the Rochester brothers arrested in a federal immigration ambush last week reportedly has an immigration hearing scheduled. George Psomas, owner of the Nupa restaurant, who employed the brothers, urged sympathizers to attend the hearing to show support. Psomas said his source of information about the hearing didn’t tell him when or where. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement regional office in St. Paul, which orchestrated the Nupa arrests, failed to respond to news media requests for the date, time and place. Psomas admitted he had assumed the hearing would be open in the usual Ameican tradition of a transparent and accountable judicial system. ICE, however, has a penchant for secrecy about its operations and proceedings. Meanwhile, according to informed sources, the brothers zarrested at Nupa have been held in the Freeborn County jail in Albert Lea. ICE has refused to allow Sheriff Sheriff Ryan Shea post their names or mug shots online, which is the usual praticce in American policing. In Rochester the Nupa restaurateur George Psomas said his source about the hearing for one brother didn’t explain why the second brother wasn’t also having a hearing.
Earlier: ICE agents pounce on Africa refugee in Austin
Ear;oerICE jailing immigrant detainees in Albert Lea
Earlier: ICE agents in Rochester: Poised for raids?
Earlier: Protesters at Peace Plaza against immigrant arrests
Earlier: ICE agents arrive: Restaurant workers nabbed
Earlier: Rochester police: Fed migrant raids may be imminent
Earlier: Ruling: No to Minnesota jails for ICE raid detainees
Mediterranean and Greek eatery. Arrests were in parking lot on February 12 .
Verbatim
Psomas in online message: “As many of you know, two men were detained in our South location parking lot last week by ICE. The reason is still unknown. We have received word that an immigration hearing is set to take place next week for one of them. We plan to attend, if they’ll allow it. We have heard that some customers have also expressed interest in being present to show their support Any presence in support of this gentleman, would be such a huge statement to his character and impact he has made on society. We cannot express how grateful we are to have the support that we have received from this community. We are truly blessed and praying from our heart of hearts that he is released and able to return to his family here.”