Pardoned By Cuomo But Detained By ICE, Bronx Immigrant Marks Three Years In ICE Detention

By
Matt Katz
WNYC News | Jul 30, 2020

In an extraordinary move six months ago, Gov. Andrew Cuomo pardoned 26-year-old Gambian immigrant Ousman Darboe from the Bronx for the one adult criminal conviction on his record—for allegedly robbing two gold chains from a female neighbor’s neck, which he said he didn’t do. His attorneys and the legion of activists who are supporting him thought that would pave the way for authorities to release him.

That hasn’t happened. Instead, today marks his third year in ICE detention. Like all ICE detainees, Ousman is jailed to ensure that he shows up for future court dates on an order of deportation for overstaying his tourist visa two decades ago. Attorneys believe he has been held by ICE longer than any other immigrant from New York City.

For more on this story go to Gothamist.com.

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Matt Katz

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