PELHAM PARKWAY, The Bronx (WABC) — Alex Nilaj, a longtime leader of the Open Hand food pantry in the Morris Park and Pelham Parkway neighborhoods, was taken into Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody last week after being detained at 26 Federal Plaza during an immigration hearing.
Nilaj is known locally for his work with the Open Hand food pantry, which serves 8,000 people a month. Residents line up on Thursday and Saturday mornings for fresh produce and other staples.
“A lot of people really need that right now, especially in like a lot of hard times,” neighbor Geraldine Callejas said.
Since Nilaj was taken into custody, neighbors say the food pantry on Lydig Avenue has been noticeably quieter.
Rep. Richie Torres, D-N.Y., said he has known Nilaj for years.
“Every elected official in the Bronx knows, Alex. Every civic association knows Alex. Every member of the local community board knows Alex. He’s no stranger. He’s one of us,” Torres said.
The Department of Homeland Security described Nilaj as an undocumented immigrant from Albania who entered the United States 20 years ago and overstayed. In a statement, the agency said, “He received due process and was ordered removed by an immigration judge on July 22, 2008. This administration will not ignore the rule of law.”
Nilaj is not accused of any offense other than the immigration violation. He is being held at Delaney Hall, where Torres said he has visited him.
“Delaney has about a thousand inmates. None of them are serious offenders or violent offenders. None of them. As far as I’m concerned, Delaney Hall should not even exist,” Torres said.
Neighbors described Nilaj as a valued member of the community.
“Very good person. Very friendly,” neighbor Samia Bouzeria said.
Residents have launched a petition seeking Nilaj’s release, saying the Open Hand food pantry needs him to remain open and that the community depends on its services.
“We want him back. We really want him back,” Bouzeria said.
“I never liked ICE to begin with, I don’t know why people would support it to begin with,” Callejas said.
Torres argued that federal immigration enforcement should focus elsewhere.
“The federal government should be focused on the most violent, serious offenders, not public servants like Alex,” he said.
Nilaj has an attorney who is filing a formal habeas petition seeking his release. He also has a wife and children. No information was available about their citizenship status or what he was hoping to accomplish at Federal Plaza last week.
Torres said Nilaj told him he has attended multiple immigration hearings over the years and has made every effort to follow the rules while pursuing the American dream.
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