Carlos Maldonaldo Valle Provincetown Police/CWN file
PROVINCETOWN – A 21-year-old Provincetown resident and Community Service Officer with the Provincetown Police Department has been released from federal custody and is returning home, according to Town Manager Alex Morse.
Morse said in a social media post on Thursday that that Carlos Maldonado Valle had been detained after returning from Puerto Rico. According to Morse’s post, Maldonado Valle’s flight was diverted to Bermuda because of a medical emergency involving another passenger.
Morse said the detention was not the result of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement action in Provincetown.
After learning of Maldonado Valle’s detention, Morse said town officials contacted Gov. Maura Healey’s office, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey’s office, U.S. Rep. Bill Keating’s office and members of the Provincetown Select Board seeking assistance.
According to the social media post from the town manager, Morse and Provincetown Police Chief Greg Hennick also submitted letters advocating for Maldonado Valle’s release.
Morse said a federal judge subsequently issued an emergency order temporarily preventing Maldonado Valle from being transferred out of Massachusetts or removed from the country while his case was being reviewed.
In his statements on social media, Morse said Maldonado Valle had “done nothing wrong” and should be released.
Morse said Maldonado Valle came to the United States as a child and has spent much of his life in Provincetown. He described him as a hardworking and compassionate member of the community who hopes to become a police officer.
The town manager also cited Maldonado Valle’s work during a major winter storm in February, when Provincetown experienced a four-day power outage. Morse said Maldonado Valle worked at the town’s emergency shelter during the outage, assisting residents, including elderly people and those with significant medical needs.
Following his release, Morse said he was “incredibly relieved and happy” to report that Maldonado Valle was on his way back to Provincetown.
Morse thanked Maldonado Valle’s attorney, Rachel Self, along with town officials, elected officials and others who assisted with efforts to secure his release.
“Today, Provincetown was there for Carlos when he needed us,” Morse said in his statement.
He also highlighted a fundraising effort launched by Provincetown residents. According to Morse, a GoFundMe campaign raised more than $25,000 within several hours to help Maldonado Valle and his family with legal fees and other expenses.
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