A Brazilian influencer known for publicly supporting Donald Trump and urging him to kick out 'illegals' has had his bail request denied after being detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The case relates to Junior Pena, who was arrested on 31st January in New Jersey, United States, and remains held at the Delaney Hall immigration detention centre in Newark.
The information about the bail denial was shared on 18th February by his friend and fellow influencer Maycon MacDowell in a video posted on social media.
Influencer Junior Pena speaks in undated video. The Brazilian was arrested in New Jersey, USA. Note: Image is a screenshot from video. (Newsflash)
MacDowell said a judge denied Pena’s request for bond at a hearing last week.
He explained that bail is typically refused if a person is considered a danger or if authorities believe they may not attend future court hearings.
According to MacDowell, the next step will be to file an appeal so that another immigration judge can review the bond request.
Pena has lived in the United States since 2009 and has more than 480,000 followers on Instagram, where he posts content about immigration and daily life in the country.
MacDowell said the detention was linked to an administrative issue involving a missed immigration court hearing connected to Pena’s regularisation process. He stated that Pena does not have a deportation order.
Picture shows influencer Junior Pena, undated. The Brazilian was arrested in New Jersey, USA. Note: Image is a screenshot from video. (Newsflash)
Before his arrest, Pena had posted videos expressing support for Trump and stating that deportation measures would target undocumented immigrants or those who had committed crimes.
In one video shared prior to his detention, he said: “I am walking the line, paying fees and trying to legalise myself, like many immigrants who want to stay in order.
"He is going to deport those who are undocumented, criminals and people who are doing wrong things. Do you think he is going to deport those who want to help the country? Absolutely not.”
Pena remains in ICE custody in New Jersey while legal proceedings continue.
(Aloysius Fernandes /Newsflash)