Federal officials are pushing to deport Gerson Josue Santamaria Turcio, a 23-year-old Honduran immigrant and local business owner in Rhinebeck. Santamaria Turcio was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Friday (July 18) as he returned home from work. An ICE spokesperson stated that he was arrested under a warrant of deportation, following his unlawful entry into the United States through Texas in 2019. An immigration judge ordered his removal in November 2023.

The arrest has sparked significant support from the Rhinebeck community, with residents, including celebrities, rallying to his defense. A fundraiser has already raised over $55,000 for his legal defense, with contributions from actor Paul Rudd and filmmaker Andrew Jarecki. Santamaria Turcio, described as "kind" and "hardworking," owns a lawn care business and has deep roots in the community, having attended Rhinebeck High School.

On Tuesday (July 22), U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams issued a temporary restraining order, preventing Santamaria Turcio's removal from the Southern District of New York until a hearing in Manhattan. The community group New York Neighbors Unite is actively supporting his case, organizing transportation for supporters to attend the hearing. Local elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan, have criticized ICE's actions, with Ryan stating, "Trump said he’d focus on violent criminals; instead, he’s snatching law-abiding small-business owners off our streets."

Santamaria Turcio remains in custody at the Orange County Correctional Facility, awaiting his court hearing. The case continues to draw attention as the community and legal teams work to prevent his deportation.