Congressman Joe Morelle Calls for the Release of German Machado From ICE Detention

Image October 21, 2026 Press Release (Rochester, N.Y.) — Today, Congressman Joe Morelle called for the immediate release of German Machado, a Rochester-area resident, father, and SUNY Brockport employee who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on October 13 and transferred to a detention facility in Batavia, New York. Mr. Machado and his family entered the United States in 2016 after fleeing Venezuela due to deteriorating conditions within the country and fears of political persecution stemming from his wife’s work in the media, which subjected them to harassment and violent threats. “German Machado is a hardworking father and NYS employee who has built a life here in pursuit of a better future for himself and his family,” said Congressman Morelle . “Mr. Machado has no criminal record, has federal work authorization, and has been pursuing asylum with his wife since 2016. Yet, he was abruptly taken into custody outside his home while on his way to work. The Trump administration claims its goal is to deport those who pose a threat to this country, yet Mr. Machado came here seeking safety and has been pursuing the American dream, a way of life that this administration now seems determined to attack. This is why I have contacted both DHS and ICE to demand Mr. Machado’s immediate release.” ###