Full Breakdown
Bronx Food Pantry Founder Detained by ICE Sparks Community Outcry
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 13, 2026, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained Aleksander Nilaj, an undocumented immigrant from Albania, during an immigration-court hearing at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan. He was transferred to the Delaney Hall Detention Center in New Jersey. Nilaj is the founder and president of the Open Hand Association Food Pantry on Lydig Avenue, which provides fresh produce and staples to Bronx residents.
Background & Context
Nilaj entered the United States on October 1, 2006 and remained after his authorized stay expired. An immigration judge ordered his removal on July 22, 2008. For roughly two decades, Nilaj has run the Open Hand pantry, serving the Morris Park and Pelham Parkway neighborhoods. The pantry’s monthly reach is reported as 7,000–8,000 people.
Data & Statistics
- Monthly pantry service: 7,000–8,000 individuals.
- Delaney Hall capacity: about 1,000 inmates, none classified as serious or violent offenders.
- National detention profile: The Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse shows that over 70 % of immigrants detained nationwide have no prior criminal history.
Official Statements & Responses
- Representative Ritchie Torres, who has known Nilaj for two decades, visited Delaney Hall, demanded medical care for Nilaj, and called for his release, stating the detention center “should not even exist.”
- Bronx Community Board 11 submitted a letter to the immigration judge urging release on bond, citing Nilaj’s community service and lack of criminal record.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s an injustice against his family and the community that loves him,” — Rep. Ritchie Torres
- “Delaney has about a thousand inmates. None of them are serious offenders or violent offenders. None of them. As far as I'm concerned, Delaney Hall should not even exist,” — Rep. Ritchie Torres
- “Donald Trump’s policy of mass deportation is tearing communities and families apart. Detaining a man who has dedicated his life to feeding those in need, is not justice, its cruelty,” — Rep. Torres
- “It was the saddest thing ever. What he did for this community for the past 14 years. He made sure that people in need had food on their tables for their families. Every day, every afternoon, regardless of what time it was,” — Saimir Burgaj, Chairman, Open Hand pantry
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Founding year: Sources differ, citing 2012 or “about 20 years ago.”
- Service volume: Reported as 8,000 people in one account and 7,000–8,000 in another.
- Health information: Nilaj’s pre-existing back condition is mentioned by a local manager but not confirmed by medical records.
What’s Next
Nilaj’s attorney has filed a habeas petition seeking release. No court date has been announced. Representative Torres said he will continue to monitor Nilaj’s health and legal status and will advocate for his release.