Many Florida readers have been following a case involving a Lutheran student pastor and her spouse. Things have taken a turn for the worse regarding the couple’s legal status, after U.S. immigration law officers showed up at their home. The couple’s 26-year-old daughter and 5-year-old grand-daughter are also involved.
The daughter apparently resides in the U.S. under a protected status granted to her through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. She was traveling with her child when she was pulled over in a traffic stop and then later detained by immigration officers. Thankfully, she was able to prove that she is a DACA recipient, and officials released both her and her daughter.
Her parents did not fare as well, however. They were reportedly at home, making breakfast and still in their pajamas when ICE officers arrived at their door. The couple was arrested and remained in ICE custody, even after their daughter and grandchild were released. In the weeks that followed, community members advocating on the couple’s behalf kept vigil, wrote letters and spoke publicly in organized news broadcasts to try to help secure the release of their pastor and her husband.
U.S. immigration law officials have since announced that both the pastor and her spouse have been deported to Colombia. Such situations are often traumatic for family members, who fear they may never see their loved ones again. At this time, no additional information has been provided as to what the couple’s daughter or other immigrant advocates are doing to try to help rectify the situation. Any Florida resident facing similar problems may wish to schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration law attorney for support.
