SUNY Upstate Medical Employees Detained by ICE Identified
The President of the United University Professions' (UUP) Upstate Medical University Chapter has revealed the identities of two employees detained by Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) during their immigration hearings in late October.
Identified Individuals
- Alcibiades Lazaro Ramirez Gonzalez (known as Alex) – a UUP member, employed at Upstate since October 2022, and joined UUP in December 2024.
- Yannier Vazquez Hildago (known as Yan) – a member of the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA).
Both men work in Environmental Services at SUNY Upstate Medical University and are currently held at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia.
Immigration Background
The UUP states the two men fled Cuba seeking asylum in the United States. Recently married, they were in the final stages of the immigration process to obtain permanent residence when detained.
Detainment Details
"The two were attending their immigration hearings on Wednesday, October 29, when they were taken into custody before entering the courtroom to finalize their legal statuses."
They now face possible deportation.
Upcoming Hearings
- Yan's hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. at 4250 Federal Drive, Room F108, Batavia.
- Alex's case has not yet been scheduled.
Summary: Two SUNY Upstate employees, asylum seekers from Cuba and nearing permanent residence, were detained by ICE during their immigration hearings and now face potential deportation.