Samudzi’s pastor: “We shouldn’t be doing this”

When Nate Samudzi reported for a required immigration check-in Sept. 23, he expected to return home to Yankton later that day. Instead, he was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and transferred to a detention facility in Minnesota, where he remains as legal proceedings continue.

     The detention marks the second time Samudzi has been taken into ICE custody this year. In February, Samudzi was detained while vacationing with his family in St. Louis and was held for six days before being released.

     While Samudzi remains in custody, his wife, Sydney, and their 1-year-old daughter continue to live in Yankton. The family has received support from friends, neighbors and members of Celebrate Community Church, where the Samudzis have attended for about three years.

     “He is the most relaxed, easygoing, welcoming, go-with-the-flow guy that I know,” Celebrate Community Church Pastor Jeff Todd said.

     Todd says one of the most rewarding parts of knowing Samudzi has been watching his faith grow.

     “It’s been fun as a pastor to watch his faith grow and seeing him mature in his faith and take steps to grow closer to God,” Todd said. 

     Even while Samudzi is in detention, Todd says the two continue to exchange Bible verses each day.

     Todd said Samudzi’s detention has affected members throughout the congregation.

     “I have people on both sides of the immigration discussion, as our country is very polarized right now, and almost without exception, every single person says, ‘This is not what we’re talking about,’” Todd said.

     Not only has the community been helpful emotionally but financially, setting up a GoFundMe campaign to help offset the loss of income while Samudzi remains detained.

     Following his release in February, Samudzi was required to complete regular immigration check-ins and home visits. Todd said Samudzi consistently complied with those requirements.

     “I can absolutely verify that he has done every single thing that ICE has required him to do,” Todd said.

     Todd says the process of becoming a citizen is complex and cumbersome. 

     “Why are we, as a country, making it incredibly complicated, expensive. We think we have to actually spend taxpayer dollars to detain them while we try to figure out their case, instead of letting them work, instead of letting them do their job,” Todd said.

     Todd also said many Americans misunderstand the immigration process.

     “He married an American citizen. Oh, isn’t he good? Right. Obviously that’s not the case,” 

As of publication, Samudzi’s future remains uncertain.

     “it’s now in the hands of the courts,” Todd said. 

     Todd says he, the family and the community have been continuously calling the governor, legislators and local officials to find a solution. 

      “Our state government really needs to take a look and see how this federal policy impact our state’s citizens,” Todd said.

     Samudzi’s situation is not unique.

     “There’s literally hundreds of people in our state that are in a similar position. They want to be here, we want them here,” Todd said.

     For now, Todd encourages others to reflect on the broader way immigrants are treated. 

     “It’s a really good time for us to take a good look in the mirror as a culture and ask, is this what we’re wanting…we shouldn’t be doing this to other human beings,” Todd said.