Maine Contractor Detained for Months by ICE Details Horrific Conditions: 'It's Meant To Be Cruel'

Marcos Gaspar-Da Silva, a general contractor from Bridgton, Maine, who was reunited with his family at the Portland International Jetport on Sunday, August 16, after nearly seven months in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, detailed the horrific conditions he endured.

Gaspar-Da Silva originally fled Brazil in 2021 after receiving threats regarding his clients' properties.

Though his initial detention occurred while he was on his way to work and pursuing a legal path to residency, his release was secured when he was officially granted lawful permanent resident status.

Gaspar-Da Silva alleged that he was held in an Arizona facility meant for 25 people that housed double that, forcing detainees to sleep on the floor.

"It's supposed to be for 25 people, but it's always over. 50. 48. And we cannot sleep on the floor altogether," Gaspar-Da Silva told WGME news. "Sign for the deportation. It's better. It's quicker, because some people have been here for a long time."

His wife, Alessia, shared that he went through periods when he was fed only once every 30 hours, denied blankets while shivering and left without necessary medical care and antibiotics.

She said another detainee, Emmanuel Damas, died in ICE custody after developing sepsis from an untreated dental infection.

"He saw Mr. Damas laying on the ground and taken away," Alessia said. "It was eye-opening to me of just how broken and corrupt our administration is. My grandfather fought for the things that we are seeing in our streets now. He went over and protected others. And now my own country is doing that."

Lake Region Indivisible Founder Amy Strum said the disgraceful conditions are "meant to be cruel."

Marcos also said that facility officials constantly pressured him to sign voluntary deportation documents, telling him it would be a quicker way out of detention.

Both Marcos and his wife emphasized the mental toll of the experience, stating the system plays "mind games" designed to make detainees blame themselves.

Upon arrival, Marcos noted, "I'm physically good, but my mind, I'm not good. Right now, I don't feel happy."

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security strongly disputed the family's accounts, labeling claims of overcrowding and severe neglect as false. The department maintained that ICE provides three balanced meals a day, evaluated by certified dietitians, comprehensive medical care and clean water, stating that its facility guidelines exceed standard U.S. prison benchmarks.

Maine Democratic Congresswoman Chellie Pingree's office actively intervened to help expedite Alessia's petition to bring her husband home and frequently pressed immigration officials regarding his welfare.

Despite being granted residency, the family continues to face prolonged difficulties. Alessia noted that ICE released her spouse without his phone, passport or his professional work boots and tools.

Furthermore, because his physical green card has not arrived, they express ongoing anxiety that immigration authorities could question or detain him again before his paperwork is fully processed.