ICE arrested two pastors who overstayed their religious visas. Henry Cuellar says he had them released

Published July 28, 2026 12:42pm ET | Updated July 28, 2026 12:42pm ET



Two married pastors who were arrested at a Texas airport by Immigration and Customs Enforcement for overstaying their religious visas have been released from custody following an intervention from Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX), according to a new report.

ICE officers arrested two assistant pastors from the Comunidad Cristiana Emanuel Church in Edinburg, Texas, at an airport in the border city of McAllen late last week. The pair had attempted to travel to North Carolina for a marriage conference put on by the late evangelist Billy Graham’s nonprofit organization.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.