Father’s Detention by ICE Sparks Community Support

Immigration agents detained a father named Tonny Quesada-Ramirez in New Jersey on Friday, prompting support from neighbors who quickly raised over $36,000 to aid his legal fight. Quesada-Ramirez was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in South Orange, sparking a community effort led by neighbor Shuly Adams. She started a GoFundMe that surpassed its $25,000 target.

Adams described Quesada-Ramirez as a kind person who loved his family, especially his two sons, one of whom has Down’s syndrome. In a Wednesday statement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Quesada-Ramirez had been detained multiple times by ICE, noting that pending legal status applications do not prevent deportation.

Tonny Quesada-Ramirez: Background

DHS reported that Quesada-Ramirez was first encountered by Border Patrol on June 13, 2001, after entering the U.S. illegally. He was released on a promise to appear in court, but he did not, resulting in a removal order on October 16, 2001. He was arrested again by ICE on October 24, 2010, and released on bond the following March.

On August 7, Quesada-Ramirez was detained with others in South Orange. He has lived in the U.S. for about 26 years, according to Adams, and lives with his wife and two children. Adams mentioned that Quesada-Ramirez started his green card application process several years ago.

Adams met him five years ago when he made a radiator cover for her. Over time, he took on more work, including a home addition project that began in April. When the project was nearly complete, Adams received news of Quesada-Ramirez’s arrest by ICE just one block away.

ICE’s Approach to Pending Applications

Recent ICE actions have focused on individuals with pending applications before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The Trump administration maintained that filing for immigration benefits does not protect someone from deportation. Newsweek documented cases where immigrants seeking legal status were detained during USCIS interviews or flagged for enforcement action.

USCIS policy indicates that removable individuals may face proceedings even with pending applications. An update in 2025 stated that family-based petition beneficiaries could be referred for removal if considered deportable. The administration claims these changes enforce immigration laws, prevent fraud, and promote better coordination between USCIS and ICE.

Critics argue that this policy affects immigrants attempting to legalize their status, who have waited months for decisions while remaining vulnerable to enforcement if their status expires. Immigration attorneys note that processing delays can create a form of legal limbo for applicants. The administration insists that immigration benefits are discretionary and that out-of-status applicants can face removal during pending cases.

Next Steps for Quesada-Ramirez

Adams confirmed that an attorney has been hired for Quesada-Ramirez, who remains in custody at the Delaney Hall ICE detention center in Newark. This facility has recently faced protests and attention from lawmakers and locals.

“He will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings,” stated the DHS spokesperson. They emphasized that work authorization or pending applications do not equate to legal status in the U.S.