Religion News Service reports that Nepthali Zozaya Saucedo and his wife, both ordained ministers within the Assemblies of God, remain in federal custody following their detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Church leadership confirmed this week that the couple entered the United States with valid religious worker visas and maintained legal status throughout their residency.
The detention occurred earlier this month after federal agents took the couple into custody. According to church officials, the pastors were subjected to repeated pressure from authorities to sign voluntary departure documents. The couple declined to sign these forms, asserting their intent to contest the enforcement actions.
Assemblies of God leadership stated that the couple has served as ministers in the United States for several years. The denomination is currently providing legal assistance to the family and is working to clarify the circumstances surrounding the revocation of their legal standing. Church representatives noted that the couple has been threatened with separation from their children during the detention process.
"The integrity of their documented status remains our primary concern," a denominational spokesperson said.
The couple is currently being held at a federal facility while their legal team prepares a formal response to the immigration charges. The Assemblies of God leadership indicated that they are in communication with federal authorities to ensure the couple’s rights are upheld during the ongoing adjudication process.
The incident has drawn attention to the complexities surrounding religious worker visa renewals and the enforcement of immigration policy for foreign-born clergy. Advocacy groups have monitored the case closely, citing concerns over the potential impact on immigrant congregations served by international ministers.
The legal team representing the couple expects an initial hearing to be scheduled within the next thirty days. Church officials plan to release further updates once the court provides a timeline for the upcoming proceedings. No additional details regarding the specific allegations used to justify the detention have been released by federal agencies at this time.