There’s outrage within the Bronx following the arrest of a beloved immigrant in the neighborhood by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Aleksander Nilaj, founding father of the Open Hand meals financial institution within the Bronx, was detained final Monday whereas attending an immigration court docket listening to. He was taken to the Delaney Corridor Detention Heart in New Jersey.
Neighborhood members reacted to his sudden arrest.
“Since he’s been right here, he’s been a blessing to the neighborhood,” Bronx resident Alex informed Information 4. “So I don’t really feel he ought to return for one thing like that.”
Nilaj started this work about 20 years in the past after immigrating to New York from Albania.
Congressman Ritchie Torres confirmed to Information 4 that he has been preventing for his launch.
“It’s an injustice in opposition to his household and the neighborhood that loves him,” Torres added. “The federal authorities ought to give attention to essentially the most violent and harmful criminals, not on public servants like Alex.”
A spokesperson for the Division of Homeland Safety informed us in a press release:
“On October 13, 2026, ICE detained Aleksander Nilaj, an undocumented immigrant from Albania. He legally entered america quickly on October 1, 2006, and after his approved keep expired, he remained within the nation illegally, violating our legal guidelines. He acquired due course of, and on July 22, 2008, an immigration choose ordered his removing.”
The meals financial institution, positioned on Lydig Avenue, won’t distribute meals till Nilaj is launched.
A number of members of the neighborhood, particularly the aged, have relied on the meals offered by Open Hand.
“There are lots of aged individuals right here who want the meals that comes with the fruit and greens,” mentioned a neighborhood resident. “There are lots of individuals right here who’re in nice want.”
Congressman Torres informed Information 4 that Nilaj has no legal document or prices in opposition to him and that his lawyer would demand his launch by submitting an enchantment.
