KOP Man Taken From Workplace By ICE Agents In Streetclothes: Advocates

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA — Activists in Montgomery County are sounding the alarm and a fundraiser has been launched after a local man was unjustly taken from his workplace by men in street clothes who friends say "never showed badges."

The man, identified by his fiancée only as Andres, was born outside of the country, but he has a valid work authorization and family believe he was targeted simply because of what he looks like.

He was working at a restaurant in King of Prussia when the incident occurred on July 31.

According to advocacy organization Montco Community Watch, four men — none of them in uniform — entered the restaurant, showed him a photo, and said they needed to ask him questions about a criminal case.

"They never identified themselves," the organization said, "They never showed badges. They lied. There was no investigation. No charges. No crime."

His fiancée, Amanda, has launched a GoFundMe to help pay for legal fees to get Andres out of detention. More than $5,000 has already been raised.

She says that Andre was very "by the book" and that he was always sure to follow the rules.

"(ICE) accused him with false allegations, painting him as someone he absolutely is not," Amanda said. "Andres is the most kind, gentle, and loving person I have ever known. We live together, we were building a life together — dreaming of a future filled with love, safety, and stability. He has never done anything wrong."

Legal fees could rise as high as $8,000, advocates say.

"I’m scared," she added. "I feel helpless. And I can’t bear the thought of him locked away for something he didn’t do, just because of where he was born."

To see the GoFundMe and learn more, go here.