Maine Soccer Player Detained By ICE
This is the second time someone from the soccer community in Maine has been detained by ICE
As the Portland Hearts of Pine season has come to an end and fans were treated with the news that numerous players would be returning in 2026, the Maine soccer community was dealt another blow.
After Malunda Destino was taken by immigration officials after dropping his pregnant wife at work, according to CBS13, Joel Andre, a frequent part of the Kennedy Park pickup soccer community, was taken along with his family by ICE and is currently being held in a detention facility in Texas.
According to an Instagram post by Project Relief Maine, Andre’s mother, along with her three children, were detained. Additionally, while Andre has been located in Texas, his eldest sister’s location is unknown.
A GoFundMe is currently being held to raise funds for the family to afford a lawyer and pay bond.
Destino is currently being held at a correctional facility in Plymouth, Massachusetts, according to ICE’s online detainee locator system and Maine Public Radio. Immigration court records show a judge issued a removal order for Destino in 2023, but that an appeal of that case is pending.
A GoFundMe is ongoing to support Destino’s pregnant wife and assist his family.