Judge Blocks ICE Transfer of Maine Nurse Debora Kapisha Before Next Week's Hearing
Updated
Updated · Press Herald · Aug 5
Judge Blocks ICE Transfer of Maine Nurse Debora Kapisha Before Next Week's Hearing
3 articles · Updated · Press Herald · Aug 5
Summary
A federal judge barred ICE from moving Debora Kapisha out of New England before a custody hearing next week, after the detained Maine nurse was nearly transferred to Louisiana.
Judge F. Dennis Saylor said a long-distance transfer could hinder Kapisha and her Maine-based lawyer from preparing for and participating in the Massachusetts court hearing.
ICE detained Kapisha at Boston Logan Airport last Thursday for allegedly overstaying a visa that expired in November 2024, while her union says the Zambian asylum seeker is legally authorized to work.
More than 100 nurses and advocates rallied outside Maine Medical Center on Wednesday, demanding her release and pressing MaineHealth to sponsor her for permanent residency.
MaineHealth said it is supporting Kapisha and contacting Maine's congressional delegation, while the case has stirred wider fears among immigrant health care workers in Maine.