Delaware Governor Matt Meyer is demanding the immediate release of Victor Acurio Suarez, a 52‑year‑old asylum seeker who was detained by ICE in September. Suarez, who has developmental disabilities and no criminal record, has been held in ICE custody for more than a year.
Background of the Case
Suarez fled violence in Ecuador and now lives with his brother in southern Delaware. He has been pursuing asylum for three years, according to his lawyers, but has been unable to proceed because he was arrested by ICE agents in September. His attorneys say that he does not understand why he is being held.
The Incident at Lowe’s
Kaley Miller, Suarez’s lawyer, explained that the arrest occurred at a Lowe’s store in Seaford, Delaware. “Victor walked right up to ICE agents at the store and asked if they had any work he could do which is when they arrested him,” Miller said. She added that the lawyer has been looking for odd jobs for her client, who is unable to secure a regular position because of his disabilities.
Governor Meyer’s Response
Meyer has taken to social media to highlight Suarez’s situation, posting details of the arrest and calling for the state’s involvement. He also reached out to the judge overseeing the case, requesting that Suarez be allowed to return home. In an interview with NBC10, Meyer said he supports border controls and immigration policies but believes Suarez is being used to meet an ICE arrest quota.
> “It comes from the top. I don’t necessarily blame the ICE agents themselves. They’re being told, I think, that if someone speaks in an accent that’s not an American accent, if they display traits that are culturally different than sort of white American traits, then they’re suspicious. That’s not America, that’s not who we are,” Meyer said.
Legal Status and Humanitarian Parole
Miller has requested that ICE grant Suarez humanitarian parole, a measure that would release him from custody and allow the immigration proceeding to continue. She explained:
> “At this point our request is for ICE to grant him humanitarian parole which would release him from their custody and would allow him to proceed on the resolution of his immigration proceeding,” Miller explained.
Suarez’s asylum hearing is scheduled for January 2026. Until then, his legal status remains in limbo, and he continues to be held by ICE.
Current Status and Next Steps
NBC10 has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment on the case, but no response has been received yet. The governor’s office remains actively involved, hoping that state pressure will lead to a swift resolution.
Key Takeaways
- Victor Acurio Suarez, 52, with developmental disabilities, was detained by ICE in September and has no criminal record.
- Suarez’s lawyers claim he has been pursuing asylum for three years and is unaware of the reasons for his detention.
- Governor Matt Meyer has publicly called for Suarez’s release, citing concerns about ICE quotas and cultural bias.
- A request for humanitarian parole has been filed to allow Suarez to return home while his case proceeds.
- The next asylum hearing is set for January 2026; the case remains unresolved.
The situation underscores the complex intersection of immigration enforcement and humanitarian considerations in Delaware. As the case moves forward, state officials and Suarez’s legal team continue to seek a resolution that respects both immigration law and the rights of a vulnerable individual.
