Illegal Immigrants ICE Detained in Highlandtown Released After Lawyers Intervene
by
Wcbm
The immigration arrests of a barber and a small business owner in February galvanized many in Baltimore’s Highlandtown neighborhood.
Neither man had a criminal record. Protesters hit the streets. Lawyers snapped into action. Nervous friends and family took to prayer.
Today, after advocacy lawyers succeeded in arguing their cases before immigration judges, both men have been released from the Frederick County Detention Center and reunited with their friends and family.
“They could have easily been removed from the country, but they have viable cases,” said Michelle N. Mendez, a senior attorney at the Catholic Legal Immigration Network who represented both men. “This is why we shouldn’t be doing these fast-tracked deportations. If the person has access to competent counsel, it makes a big difference.”
