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Providence Restaurant Worker Detained by ICE for Months

Community members rally in support of an immigrant worker during his ICE detention.

News Summary

Pablo Grave de la Cruz, a longtime Providence restaurant worker, has been detained by ICE for nearly a month following an arrest linked to a traffic violation. Detained after a court appearance, he was transferred to Texas without notice, raising concerns for his legal rights. Despite past DUI charges, his partner advocates for his integrity, citing a commitment to the community. A GoFundMe is underway to assist with legal costs amid mounting community support.

Providence Restaurant Worker Detained by ICE for Nearly a Month Following Arrest after Court Appearance

Providence, Rhode Island – Pablo Grave de la Cruz, a 36-year-old immigrant and longtime employee at two notable restaurants in Providence, has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for nearly a month after his arrest on June 17. His detention began outside the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal in Cranston, where he had appeared for a civil traffic violation related to a crash in Coventry.

Grave de la Cruz was arrested shortly after his court hearing, where he was facing charges after refusing a chemical test. Initially held for five days at the Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls, he was subsequently transferred to an ICE facility in Raymondville, Texas, without prior notice to his family or legal representatives. This transfer has raised concerns regarding communication and rights for detainees.

ICE spokesperson James Covington stated that Grave de la Cruz is classified as “an illegally present Guatemalan alien” with a troubling past, including two prior DUI convictions and a pending charge for a third DUI. Covington expressed that allowing Grave de la Cruz to remain in Rhode Island represents a public safety risk to residents, reinforcing ICE’s stance on maintaining strict immigration enforcement.

Grave de la Cruz entered the United States undocumented at the age of 16 and married his partner Samuel Spadavecchia in 2016. Since then, he has been awaiting a visa, which adds complexity to his immigration status. Despite claims regarding previous offenses, Spadavecchia highlighted that his partner’s last DUI charge occurred in 2013 and that he has no other criminal history.

The couple maintains daily communication, but efforts for an update on his case have been challenging. Both family members and friends have expressed their distress over Grave de la Cruz’s situation, noting that his absence has created a palpable void in the local community. Loved ones describe him as a cherished member of the hospitality sector, known for his positive demeanor and strong relationships with colleagues and patrons alike.

Community Response and Financial Support

In response to Grave de la Cruz’s detention, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist in covering legal expenses, as immigration judges have denied him bond. The campaign emphasizes the impact that his absence has on the community, stating that “to know Pablo is to love Pablo.” This sentiment resonates with many who have had the pleasure of working alongside him in the Rhode Island dining scene, including at esteemed establishments such as Los Andes and The Capital Grille.

Background on ICE Detentions

ICE detentions have been a topic of heated debate in recent years, with emphasis on balancing immigration enforcement and community safety. Advocates for immigration reform argue for more humane treatment of individuals caught in the system, while federal agencies maintain that detaining undocumented immigrants who may pose safety risks is a necessity for public protection.

This specific case has garnered attention locally, highlighting the challenges faced in the intersection of traffic violations and immigration law. As the situation evolves, it is clear that Grave de la Cruz’s fate will not only determine his future but also affect many lives in the Providence community who have come to depend on his presence.