by Matthew BenningerThu, January 22, 2026 at 4:34 PMPhotos of Alex Gonzalez and Yan Vaquez were detained by ICE agents on October 29. (Photos provided by unions representing them)SYRACUSE, N.Y. — SUNY Upstate Hospital employee Yan Vazquez lost his court immigration hearing regarding his deportation to Ecuador on Thursday.That's according to the Civil Service Employees Association and United University Professions. CSEA Local 615 President Ali Cottrell said the federal judge's order hurts the entire Upstate Hospital community.“This decision hits home for our union family and puts a very real human face on immigration enforcement,” said CSEA Local 615 President Ali Cottrell. “Yan is a hardworking union member who, along with his husband Alex Gonzalez, has built a life here rooted in service and responsibility."Gonzalez was ordered by a federal judge to be deported to Ecuador on Jan. 14. He is scheduled to be deported to the country on Feb. 12. He will be transferred to the custody of law enforcement there.Union officials said Gonzalez and Vazquez have no connection to Ecuador. The two are from Cuba. They came to the United States seeking asylum from persecution based on their sexuality.Gonzalez and Vazquez were in the process of becoming permanent U.S. Citizens. They were toward the end of that process when they were detained. They both worked in Environmental Services at Upstate University Hospital.Cottrell said an appeal has been filed in Vazquez's case."CSEA stands in solidarity with Yan, Alex, and all workersfacing uncertainty and remains committed to advocating for dignity, fairness, and humane treatment for every worker," the CSEA said.