By CP Staff - Posted at The Christian Post:
Published August 18, 2025
His family maintained during his detention that Fuentes Espinal fled poverty and violence in 2001 and came to the U.S. seeking a safer life for his family, as other relatives had been killed back home. His daughter said he was in the process of applying for a green card.A Honduran pastor living in Maryland's Eastern Shore who overstayed his visa more than two decades ago has returned home after he was arrested in late July by federal immigration authorities, saying he ministered to several souls who came to Christ during his detention.
In a video posted on social media by a family friend on Sunday, Pastor Daniel Fuentes Espinal of Iglesia del Nazareno Jesus Te Ama in Easton thanked supporters for their prayers and financial support amid three weeks of detention.
"I want to give thanks to the community for the support you have given me during this process," the 54-year-old said. "Thank you for your prayers. I am really sure God listened to your prayers."
His daughter, Clarissa Fuentes Diaz, also appeared in the video, thanking Maryland Gov. Wes Moore's office and members of U.S. Congress for their advocacy on her father's case.
"I am very happy to have my dad back home," she said. "He is the pillar of our house. … My heart is full."