Rockland County student released after a month in ICE custody
Vince Sykes, who represents Alan Junior Pierre, says his client was picked up on June 4 while in New York City for an immigration hearing.
More Stories
Alan Junior Pierre, 20, was released from ICE custody on Wednesday after spending over a month in detention in Newark, New Jersey.
Vince Sykes, who represents Alan Junior Pierre, says his client was picked up on June 4 while in New York City for an immigration hearing.
Pierre then says he was transported by vehicle to a room in New York for "processing."
Pierre told News 12 the room consisted of two toilets and between 60 to 100 people.
He says he spent four nights there - without having any access to a shower.
Pierre was then transferred to a facility in Newark, New Jersey.
"ICE has...cast a wide net. Wider than people that have committed crimes. Innocent people are being swept up," said Pierre's attorney, Vince Sykes.
Sykes says Pierre's detention was illegal and after hearing more details, traumatic.
"He has absolutely no criminal record. Not a blemish, not a traffic ticket, nothing...and in addition to all of that, he has a pending green card application," said Sykes.
Pierre now says he is emotionally very happy, "but at the same time sad over what happened."
He says he is looking forward to returning to school as soon as possible.
New York State Senator Chuck Schumer: 07/09/2025
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today released the following statement on ICE releasing Alan Junior Pierre, a 20-year-old student at Spring Valley High School, after his office worked directly with the family and their attorney to fight for his release:
“I’m pleased to hear that ICE has released Spring Valley High School student, Alan Junior Pierre, and he is back with his family and returning to Rockland County. The detention of Alan shook the tightly knit Haitian-American community in Spring Valley to its core. I was proud to work with the Pierre family to right this wrongful targeting by the Trump administration, which should be going after dangerous criminals not a young student of a United States citizen father with no record who is applying for a green card.
Congressman Mike Lawler: 07/09/2025
"I’m grateful to the Department of Homeland Security and @sec_noem for working with me to secure Alan Junior Pierre’s release as his parole claim is reviewed. My office will continue supporting Alan and his family through the immigration process, as we have with Haitian families across the district."
Department of Homeland Security: 07/09/2025
Attributable to Assistant Secretary McLaughlin
“Alan Junior Pierre, an illegal alien from Haiti, illegally entered the U.S on January 17, 2025 and was RELEASED by the Biden Administration into our country. He was arrested by ICE on June 4, 2025 and is in removal proceedings. All of his claims will be heard before an immigration judge.
“Secretary Noem is reversing Biden’s catch and release policy that allowed millions of unvetted illegal aliens to be let loose on American streets. This Administration is once again implementing the rule of law. Biden chose to release millions of illegal aliens, including violent criminals, into the country with a notice to appear before an immigration judge. ICE is now following the law and arresting these illegal aliens and placing them in custody as they undergo removal proceedings.
“We encourage all illegal aliens to take control of their departure with the CBP Home App. The United States is offering illegal aliens $1,000 and a free flight to self-deport now. We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return."
