A Long Island postal worker found herself in hot water after allegedly helping an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainee escape custody outside the Westhampton Post Office. Tamara Mayorga-Wong, 57, reportedly opened the door of an official vehicle and urged the handcuffed detainee to run before attempting to drive away in her own car.
Authorities quickly caught up with the detainee and apprehended Mayorga-Wong after she tried to flee through the building and lock herself in her car in a back parking lot. Despite agents instructing her to exit the vehicle, she resisted and verbally lashed out at them in both Spanish and English, questioning their actions and accusing them of mistreating their own people.
Mayorga-Wong allegedly witnessed agents in “HSI Police” jackets apprehend the man and demanded to see a warrant, claiming they couldn’t proceed without one. After being provided with an address to view the warrant at the local office, she aided the detainee in his temporary escape.
Charged with federal obstruction, Mayorga-Wong could face up to 20 years in federal prison depending on the statute applied by prosecutors. While it remains unclear if she had any prior connection to the detainee, details surrounding his arrest and current location have not been disclosed.
During her arraignment in Suffolk County federal court, Mayorga-Wong appeared visibly emotional as she scanned the gallery for her family before being released on a $50,000 bond from Suffolk jail. Attorneys representing both sides declined to comment on the situation outside of court.
The incident serves as a reminder of the complex interactions between law enforcement, civilians, and detainees, highlighting the importance of following proper procedures and protocols in such situations.
