Hoboken Bartender Freed From ICE Detention, Friends Say

HOBOKEN, NJ — A bartender in Hoboken who was taken into custody by immigration officials in May has been freed, friends said Wednesday.

Sebastian Pasco, a bartender at Cork City Pub in downtown Hoboken, holds a Green Card, the bar noted in a social media post in spring. Also known as a Permanent Resident Card, the document means he's a legal immigrant on the path to citizenship, and can work and live in the country.

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In a GoFundMe page set up to pay Pasco's legal fees, organizer Daniel DeKemper said Pasco was detained in Florida after re-entering the country.

The effort earned more than $36,000, but Pasco was moved to a detention center in another state.

"The legal process ahead is both complicated and costly, and the uncertainty has placed a significant financial burden on Sebastian," the fundraiser said.

On Wednesday, a representative from the bar gave Patch an update.

"In three hearings, DHS/ICE presented no evidence for his detainment," the representative said. "The judge dismissed the case on July 1st. However, DHS had 30 days to appeal. They chose to keep him incarcerated during the appeal period.
They did not file an appeal on Friday July 31st — so he was released yesterday. That's right, we live in a country where you can be detained for over three months without cause."

"Were are happy to report that Sebastian was released from ICE custody yesterday in AZ," the fundraiser noted. "He and Dom are driving across the country and will return to NJ soon. Once he has re-acclimated back to normal life, we'll welcome him back via an event at Cork City Pub. Thanks to all who have supported the effort to free Sebastian."

In May, when Patch reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for information on Pasco's case, a spokesperson said people re-entering the country could be detained if they had a criminal record, but did not address Pasco's situation specifically say whether it applied to him.

A news report in the British media shared government statistics about the number of people in American immigration detention centers, and how many had past criminal records. Many have been arrested at their immigration hearings.

Activity Ramps Up

On Feb. 1 of this year, ICE agents detained 10 people in Jersey City, causing controversy. At least one arrest was made at the Light Rail elevator from Jersey City to Hoboken, an incident videotaped by Jersey City Councilman Jake Ephros, in which an agent said, "We don't need a warrant, bro."

The comment famously drew a response from Gov. Mikie Sherrill, who said, ""We still follow the Constitution here in New Jersey, bro."

Local non-profits have been chronicling ICE arrests in Hudson County, with one group saying there were at least six recent arrests.

Jersey City Mayor James Solomon said he got several reports of ICE activity in the city this week.