Lewiston, Auburn communities rally behind man detained by ICE
LEWISTON — Community members are raising money and rallying behind an immigrant from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement this summer.
Samuel Kijima was detained in mid-July, according to Gather to Grow, a Lewiston organization that operates a food pantry and community programs. Already engaged in an immigration process, Kijima “was taken in the middle of a busy road while running an errand,” a Gather to Grow newsletter stated.
“Thankfully, because of a strong and caring community driven detention response, Samuel is receiving the legal support he needs and we are hopeful he will be released soon,” the newsletter said.
Kijima is still being held in ICE custody at Plymouth County Correctional Facility in Plymouth, Massachusetts, according to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.
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While still in detention, Kajima’s immigration case is proceeding, according to a GoFundMe organized on his behalf. The fundraiser seeks to raise $7,500 for his immigration bond, rent and housing and other expenses while he is unable to work.
Serving on Auburn Baptist Church’s deaconate board, Kijima is studying to become a minister and participates in the church’s music programs, the fundraiser says. He has been active in the church since 2025.
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Kijima also works in the Lewiston Public Schools as an educational technician and is a behavioral health professional.
Before Kijima became an ed tech, he volunteered in Gather to Grow’s weekly food pantry operations, according to the newsletter.
“Samuel is a shining light and community leader. While volunteering with us, Samuel supported weekly operations of our food pantry program,” according to Gather to Grow. “As colleagues would describe, he is warm, friendly, reliable, responsible, caring, and dedicated to his role and the community. We could always count on him.”
Kijima’s family and friends were not immediately available for comment.
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Tagged: ICE, lewiston maine
Joe Charpentier came to the Sun Journal in 2022 to cover crime and chaos. His previous experience was in a variety of rural Midcoast beats which included government, education, sports, economics and analysis,. More by Joe Charpentier
