ICE Will Always be COLD!!

Straying from the topic for one post, I would like to discuss an experience I had the other day while working at the Pima County Jail, that really got me thinking about border issues.

A 19-year-old man was booked in for a class-1 misdemeanor of refusing to give his truthful name. I called him up (by the name on the booking sheet) to join me for a chat, and noticed that with a completely empty criminal record, he was eligible for release at that time. The boy had large, innocent brown eyes and a baby face that practically made me melt. He wore a black t-shirt, a pair of 80s style looking basketball shoes, and loose fitting jeans that hung attractively from his waste. I couldn't stop looking into his eyes.

When asking his social security number, he indicated he did not have one, and with a childish, nervous giggle subseqently informed he was an illegal immigrant. He indicated he has lived on and off with his mom in Tucson for 15 years, and had been there most recently for six months, after coming back from a deportation.

I asked him if he would go to court if he were to be released right then, and he reported, "No, I am going to get deported."

According to a court clerk, during any judicial proceeding at the Pima County Justice Court, all immigration issues are left at the door, and it is not enforced nor checked up on in any manner. I let my new friend know this, and assured him he would be OK if he went to court to take care of this charge, and would actually be on better terms with the government and the Immigration and Naturalization Service for going and not letting a warrant issue for his arrest.

He stared back at me, shaking, and told me he would attend. For one of the few times in my "release history" per se, I truly, truly believed him.

So we filled out paperwork, I set him a court date, and told him everthing would be OK. Though I wasn't quite positive I was allowed to post-release an illegal immigrant, I figured he had stable housing here with his mother and if he was going to get deported, it would happen eventually released right now or not. He was so greatful, repeatedly thanked me and sat back down.

Right as he took a seat in the intake pit, an INS agent came to the edge of the pit and the room went silent. The inmates stared as the officer called two names, and my defendant was one of them. I saw his face turn white, as he gave the officer his name... and the agent went to the booking unit to possibly place an Immigration and Customs Enforcement hold on him.

If the hold went through, the boy would be shipped back to Mexico within the evening. My co-workers and I were all pretty sure that would be case.

While I finished my shift, the kid sat on the cold, concrete benches with his head buried in his hands. He occasionally glared up at me with a look that said, "How could this happen?"
I felt so bad, his mom was expecting him home that night (we had called her earlier to let her know what was going on). Who knew when they'd see each other again.

It was an upsetting experience, and I can't seem to get it off my mind. At the same time though, I have a feeling he'll find his way back here, soon enough.