USA

Flint Community Rallies to Prevent Deportation of Longtime Resident to Cuba

A deeply distressed​ mother⁢ is ⁣pleading for intervention ​to prevent the deportation‍ of her son, Jesús,‌ a Cuban immigrant⁢ who has lived in the​ United ⁢States for ​21 years. The case, recently highlighted​ by MLive,‌ centers on⁢ an ‍order‌ to send Jesús back to ⁣Cuba, a country he⁢ left two‌ decades ago. His mother expressed her anguish, stating, “I am very sad as he ​is⁢ a very good ‌son and member⁤ of the community. He does​ not​ deserve what is happening to him.”

Jesús arrived in the U.S. in ​2004 through the Cuban‍ visa ⁢lottery, a program approved by‌ the U.S. Embassy ‍in Havana. Since then, he has become a valued member of the Flint community, establishing a small food business and becoming‌ known for his Cuban pizzas​ served at cultural events, volunteer activities, and youth⁢ programs. ⁢

A local resident shared a poignant story with flint.daily.810 illustrating⁣ Jesús’s character. The resident recounted how Jesús successfully encouraged his shy, picky-eating son to try his pizza, which the boy later loved. The ‌young⁣ man consistently sought ​out “Jesus of the pizzas” at subsequent community⁣ gatherings, a ⁤testament, according ⁢to‌ the author,‌ to Jesús’s approachable ‌and​ generous nature.

detention and ⁤Allegations of Inhumane⁣ Treatment

Jesús ​was⁤ taken into custody by‌ Immigration ‌and Customs Enforcement ‍(ICE) on june 2nd ⁣while en route to⁣ work. He has been detained at the Calhoun County Correctional ⁤Facility in Battle Creek ever as.

The⁤ Flint Alliance⁤ for ​Immigrant Rights (FAIR),⁤ along with ⁤family and advocates, ‌are raising ‍serious concerns about the conditions of ⁣his detention, alleging they are unsafe and⁢ inhumane. Specific complaints include:

* ⁣ Lack ⁣of adequate medical care for a prostate​ condition‍ causing prolonged inability to urinate.
* Untreated scalp infections.
* ⁤ ​Isolation as punishment‍ for requesting medical‌ attention.
* Denial‍ of⁢ necessary glasses to review legal documentation.
* ⁢ restricted access to phone calls and communication with his legal‌ counsel.

A friend told MLive that Jesús ⁢has experienced severe infections, resulting in blood on the walls of⁤ his cell, and that instead‌ of receiving treatment, he was placed in isolation. FAIR has also⁤ reported⁣ issues with food⁢ quality, sanitation, and overall medical negligence, with coalition ⁢member Lucine Jarrah stating, ⁢”No one ⁣should be subjected to​ this level of abuse.We need ⁢to act to bring Jesus home.”

Appeal Against Deportation Order

On December ⁣2nd, an immigration judge ordered ‍Jesús’s deportation to Cuba. His family has 30 days to file an appeal, ⁢but they fear ICE may act before the legal process‍ can unfold.

Advocates argue that ⁢deporting a Cuban national who immigrated legally over 20 years ago, and‌ who would now ⁤face the current ​economic and ‌political hardships on the island, poses⁢ a significant risk to his well-being,‍ particularly⁤ for someone being returned from the United States.

Supporters‍ emphasize⁣ that Jesús poses no threat to public safety. He served time for a non-violent marijuana offense‌ over​ a decade ago, but has maintained a ⁢clean record as, focusing on his business, community involvement, and volunteer work.

“our ⁤community cannot remain silent‍ while a legal permanent resident ⁣is separated from‌ their family,” stated Asa Zuccaro, director of ⁣the Latinx Community and Technology Center.

FAIR has initiated a ⁤fundraising campaign and a letter-writing effort to demand Jesús’s release, access​ to medical care, and a ⁢thorough investigation into ⁣the conditions of his ‍detention. The organization asserts, “Our community has the⁤ power​ to protect our neighbors. Please support Jesus and his family.”

Journalist patrick Hayes, writing in a local publication, argued that ‌cases like Jesús’s‌ are symptomatic of ​a federal ⁣policy that “traumatizes entire communities without improving anyone’s‌ safety,” and⁤ are “indefensible from any moral or ‍human outlook.”