ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Hundreds gathered at the United Presbyterian Church in downtown Rochester holding signs, chanting and demanding the release of a local man known as Omar, who has been detained by ICE since Dec. 4 in Buffalo.

News10NBC’s Marsha Augustin was at Friday’s nights rally and heard from Omar’s family and friends.

“There is so much that we can do. There are so many voices present here today,” said Cassandra B., Omar’s daughter. Filled with emotion and tears in her eyes, she described her father as a longtime business owner, loving father, and devoted husband.

“I ask you all to join me in calling for the release of my father from detention,” Cassandra said. “Freedom not only for him but for all.”

Byron Noble, a close friend of Omar, explained that Omar had been regularly checking in with ICE over the phone. However, during a recent check-in, Omar was instructed to visit the Buffalo immigration offices, where he was detained.

“When they called him they said no, its not going to be a call. Tomorrow you have to go to the Buffalo immigration offices, bring your phone so we can download an application for you so we can check it. As soon as he got there that’s when he got detained,” Noble said.

State and local leaders including Senator Jeremy Cooney, City of Rochester President Miguel Melendez, and Councilmember Stanley Martin to name a few, also attended the rally, calling for Omar’s safe return to Rochester.

Sen. Jeremy Cooney emphasized the city’s commitment to being a sanctuary city.

“We are a sanctuary city pastor and we will live those values into Omar’s family and into every family across this state because here me now and here we loud, justice is for all! This is a country for all,” Cooney said!

The rally concluded with hundreds marching through the streets, carrying the message of justice for Omar and all families across the state.

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