# Bronx food pantry leader detained by ICE

> Alex Nilaj, Open Hand food pantry leader in Bronx, detained by ICE leaves community shaken.
- Title: Bronx food pantry leader detained by ICE · ABC7 New York
- Summary: Alex Nilaj, Open Hand food pantry leader in Bronx, detained by ICE leaves community shaken. Alex Nilaj, a Bronx food pantry leader, was detained by ICE after…
- Keywords: alex nilaj, open hand food pantry, bronx, ice, immigration, undocumented immigrant, albania, delaney hall, pelham parkway, morrison park, food pantry, undocumented
- Source: ABC7 New York — https://abc7ny.com/post/open-hand-food-pantry-leader-detained-ice-leaves-bronx-community-shaken/19957585
- Published: 2026-10-20T03:06:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: alex nilaj, open hand food pantry, bronx, ice, immigration, undocumented immigrant, albania, delaney hall, pelham parkway, morrison park, food pantry, undocumented
## Alex Nilaj detained by ICE
Alex Nilaj, a longtime leader of the Open Hand food pantry in the Bronx, was detained by ICE last week.
## Food pantry serves 8,000 monthly
The pantry serves 8,000 people a month with residents lining up for fresh produce and staples.
## Community reaction
Neighbors say the pantry has become quieter since Nilaj's detention and describe him as a valued community member.
## Rep. Richie Torres statement
Rep. Richie Torres says Nilaj is a trusted community figure known to every elected official and civic group in the Bronx.
## ICE description
ICE describes Nilaj as an undocumented immigrant from Albania who entered the U.S. 20 years ago and overstayed.
## Habeas petition
Nilaj's attorney filed a habeas petition seeking his release while neighbors launched a petition for his return.
## Community petition
Residents say the pantry needs Nilaj to remain open and depend on his services, urging his immediate release.
## Key takeaway

Alex Nilaj, a Bronx food pantry leader, was detained by ICE after being ordered removed in 2008, causing community distress as the pantry serves 8,000 people monthly.