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Two employees from SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York, were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Wednesday (October 29) while attending their immigration hearings. According to the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA), the workers, who are Cuban citizens, were taken into custody before they could finalize their legal status in court. The employees, part of the hospital's environmental services department, now face possible deportation.
CSEA President Mary Sullivan emphasized the employees' contributions to the community, stating, "They are part of our Upstate family, they are our co-workers, our neighbors, and valued contributors to the hospital and community." Sullivan criticized the detentions as "unjust and inhumane," arguing that no one should be punished for following the law.
SUNY Upstate confirmed the detentions, and Spectrum Local News reported that one of the employees is a member of CSEA, while the other is represented by United University Professions (UUP). The workers were reportedly sent to the Batavia immigration detention facility, although ICE has not yet responded to requests for comment.
The incident has sparked concern among union members and the community, who are advocating for the employees' rights and seeking their release. The CSEA continues to support the detained workers, emphasizing the need for dignity and respect for all immigrants.