Congolese Pastor’s Detention Sparks Outcry and Support in Maine Faith Community

Congolese Pastor’s Detention Sparks Outcry and Support in Maine Faith Community

By Dr. D. Roy Bramwell – Senior Editor | August 26, 2025

📍 South Portland, Maine — The recent detention of Congolese pastor Michel Tshimankinda by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has sent shockwaves through Maine’s faith-based communities, igniting both emotional support and renewed debate over immigration enforcement policies.

Tshimankinda, who entered the U.S. on a tourist visa in March 2016 and remained after its expiration, was taken into custody last Wednesday during what ICE described as “targeted enforcement operations.” He is currently being held at the Strafford County Department of Corrections in Dover, New Hampshire.

🙏 A Pastor, a Father, a Community Pillar

Known for his spiritual leadership and compassionate outreach, Tshimankinda had become a beloved figure in South Portland and Gorham, where he and his family worshipped at Life Church for several years. Pastor Tom Pequinot, a longtime friend and mentor, described him as “a great man of God” who had openly shared his journey and applied for asylum for his wife and four children.

Earlier this year, Tshimankinda founded Restoration Church, a small congregation that met at the Promised Land World Outreach Center. Paul Roberts, a church leader who worked closely with him, said the pastor had been preaching regularly since March and was deeply committed to his calling.

“He loves the Lord with all his heart,” Roberts said. “This guy wouldn’t hurt a fly. I understand ICE is doing its job, but I wish he had been given a court date instead of being detained.”

💔 Family in Crisis, Community in Action

The arrest has left Tshimankinda’s family reeling. His daughter, Jobel, launched a fundraiser to help cover legal fees and living expenses, which had raised over $26,000 by Monday morning.

“We know that by the grace of God, he will come back to us,” she wrote. “Our dad has always worked hard to provide for us… Now, without him here, our family might be facing emotional and financial hardship.”

Despite his absence, Restoration Church continues to hold services, though members—many of whom are immigrants—have expressed fear and uncertainty.

📣 A Broader Pattern of Enforcement

ICE spokesperson James Covington defended the arrest, citing current policy under President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

“Unlike the previous administration, President Trump and Secretary Noem will not turn a blind eye to violations of U.S. immigration laws,” Covington said. “They remain dedicated to prioritizing safety and protecting the integrity of our nation’s immigration laws.”

Tshimankinda’s case is the latest in a string of high-profile detentions involving immigrant pastors. Earlier this month, Honduran pastor Daniel Fuentes Espinal was released after three weeks in ICE custody. In June, Florida pastor Maurilio Ambrocio was deported to Guatemala after more than two decades in the U.S.

Evangelical immigration advocates have warned that such enforcement actions are having a “direct impact” on churches, particularly those serving immigrant communities.

🌍 Faith, Law, and the Future

As Tshimankinda awaits legal proceedings, his congregation and supporters continue to pray for his release and reflect on the intersection of faith, law, and justice.

“This is more than a legal issue,” said Pequinot. “It’s about compassion, community, and the kind of country we want to be.”

For now, the future of Restoration Church—and the family at its heart—remains uncertain, but the outpouring of support suggests that Tshimankinda’s ministry has left a lasting mark far beyond the pulpit.