Editor’s note: This edition went to press before the scheduled hearings of Alex and Yan.
SYRACUSE — Hundreds of union members, elected officials and community supporters recently gathered outside the Syracuse Federal Building to send a single, urgent message: “Bring Them Home.”
The Nov. 10 rally was organized by CSEA, United University Professions (UUP), and the Greater Syracuse Labor Council to demand the release of Alcibiades “Alex” Gonzalez and CSEA member Yannier “Yan” Vazquez, two SUNY Upstate Medical University employees who were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Oct. 29.
The two men — a married couple who fled Cuba seeking safety — were taken into custody by ICE agents as they arrived for a scheduled immigration hearing. Both had followed every step of the legal process toward permanent citizenship.
Their detention outraged co-workers and community members, who describe them as dedicated, compassionate professionals and an integral part of the SUNY Upstate workforce. As this edition went to press, another CSEA member employed at SUNY Upstate was arrested by ICE. Our union is gathering more information.
“These workers are part of our Upstate family, they are our co-workers, our neighbors, and valued contributors to the hospital and community,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan. “No one should be punished for following the law. Our union members and all hospital employees deserve dignity, respect and the chance to live and work without fear.”
SUNY Upstate Medical Hospital Local President Ali Cottrell emceed the rally.
“Alex and Yan are part of our Upstate family,” said Cottrell. “They come to work every day to care for people and to make this community better. What happened to them is wrong, and we’re not going to stay quiet about it. When one of us is treated unjustly, all of us feel it, and all of us will stand up.”
As Cottrell spoke, supporters chanted, waved signs and called on federal officials to release the men, who remain in custody awaiting immigration hearings.
“This is what solidarity looks like,” Cottrell told the crowd. “We have CSEA, UUP, teachers, nurses, city workers and neighbors all standing together. No matter where we come from or what job we do, we all believe that every worker deserves dignity, fairness, and a chance to live without fear.”
CSEA Central Region President Kenny Greenleaf emphasized the importance of the labor community standing together in solidarity.
“Two members of our community and union family were kidnapped by ICE and are being held in detention for doing exactly what our country asks people to do: follow the law, show up for their hearings, and work hard to build a better life,” said Greenleaf. “CSEA stands shoulder to shoulder with our labor partners, elected officials, and community allies to say loud and clear: bring them home, and let’s keep fighting until justice wins.”
Other rally speakers also noted these detentions are unjust and inhumane, including Syracuse Mayor-elect Sharon Owens, State Sen. Rachel May and Assemblymember Bill Magnarelli.
“Alex and Yan kept their word,” said Owens. “They went through a process set up by our country. Our federal government did not keep their word.”
May also called for accountability from national leaders.
“Shame on ICE for attacking people when they show up for court hearings — because they show up for work, because they pay their taxes, because they are trying to make a decent and lawful life in this country,” said May. “Bring Alex and Yan home and hold this president accountable to the law.”
Magnarelli noted that Central New York has always been a home for immigrants who contribute to the region’s growth and character.
“Their detention is just another example of the cruel and inhumane treatment of our immigrant community,” said Magnarelli. “They were following the rules, obeying the law, and contributing to their workplace and community until they were caught up in this campaign to deport people at all costs, with or without due process.”
Cottrell said the outpouring of support shows what labor solidarity can achieve.
“It’s easy to talk about standing together,” said Cottrell to local media. “But today, we lived it. People came here because they know this isn’t just an immigration issue; it’s a human issue and a workers’ issue. If we don’t stand up for each other, who will?”
Greenleaf noted that the union’s core mission extends beyond the workplace.
“Our fight is for every working person, no matter where they come from or what papers they carry,” said Greenleaf. “Union values are human values. And when one of us is targeted, all of us stand up.”
— Nicholas Newcomb