Reps. Watson Coleman and Pallone Ask ICE to Release Indonesian Christians while Immigration Cases are Pending
Ewing, NJ –Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) asked that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) use its discretion and release Mr. Gunawan Liem of Piscataway, Mr. Roby Sanger of Metuchen and Parlin Sinaga of Woodbridge from ICE custody while their immigration cases are pending. The letter comes after U.S. District Judge Esther Salas ordered a temporary restraining order stopping Immigration and Customs Enforcement from deporting several Indonesian Christians immigrants while she reviewed their request for a second chance at asylum.
“They have raised their families here for decades, becoming important, law-abiding members of their communities who pose no flight risk before or after the conclusion of their court hearings,” wrote Pallone and Watson Coleman. “Releasing Mr. Liem, Mr. Sanger and Mr. Sinaga would allow them to be with their families and friends during this difficult process. It would also allow ICE the opportunity to better appropriate its resources in detaining individuals that pose a real threat to our communities.”