A tragic turn of events has left Amanda Souza, a steakhouse worker in Pennsylvania, devastated. Her fiancé, Andres Paredes Morales, was abruptly detained by ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents while at work at the King of Prussia Mall on July 31.
Detention Shocks Couple Planning Wedding
Morales, 23, a Venezuelan migrant, was set to marry Souza after a whirlwind romance that began at the Fogo de Chao steakhouse. While working a second job at the District Taco restaurant, he was approached by four plainclothes ICE officers, who claimed they needed to question him based on unspecified complaints of criminal involvement. Despite having a valid work permit and no prior criminal record, Morales was escorted out of the restaurant and detained.
Confusion and Questions Surround Arrest
According to Souza, the agents refused to show a warrant or clarify the claims against Morales. She rushed to the scene when he called her for help due to his limited English skills, only to learn over the phone that he had already been taken into custody. Morales was later transferred to a central Pennsylvania ICE facility, leaving Souza and his attorney, Alexis Price, grappling with unanswered questions about his detainment.
Its unclear why ICE targeted Morales, especially since his work permit remains valid until May 2026,” Price stated. She also highlighted growing concerns about increased ICE activity in Montgomery County, describing the enforcement methods as unpredictable and aggressive.
A Devoted Partner and Worker
Morales moved to the U.S. in 2024, seeking refuge from Venezuela’s rampant crime. Since arriving, he has worked tirelessly, holding two jobs to provide for both Souza and his family back in Venezuela. Their dream of building a future together now hangs in the balance as they face the complexities of the immigration system.
He told me many times, In the future, were going to be OK, and Im going to help you, Souza shared tearfully. Now, instead of planning their wedding, shes raising funds through a GoFundMe campaign to cover Morales immigration legal costs.
Detention Facility Raises Concerns
Morales currently resides in Philadelphias Federal Detention Center, but he is expected to be transferred to the Moshannon Valley Processing Center. The facility, located four hours from their Norristown home, has been criticized for poor conditions, including limited medical access and alleged mistreatment of detainees, according to a 2024 report by Temple Universitys Social Justice Lawyering Clinic.
Souza lamented that her fiancé has been swept up unfairly and that harmful stereotypes plague the system. Just because youre from Venezuela, they associate you with a gang, she remarked, emphasizing Morales unwavering dedication to building a better life in the U.S.
A Call for Justice
Souzas fight for Morales release highlights widespread challenges faced by many immigrants under the current enforcement system. He deserves to be home, not behind bars, she wrote in her crowdfunding plea. We need each other.
The couples future, fraught with uncertainty, underscores the human impact of immigration policies and the pressing need for reform. More updates on the case are expected as Morales awaits his immigration court hearing scheduled for May 2026.
