FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria and several other state and local representatives gathered in Downtown Fresno on Friday to demand the release of a woman from Firebaugh who was detained by ICE and is now in the California City Detention Center.
“Last week, Maria Caballero, a mother of four, who has lived in Firebaugh, California, for decades and has no criminal record, was detained by ICE while attending her scheduled USCIS appointment to adjust her status,” Soria said.
Soria says Maria came to the United States in 2001 and was working through the legal petition process to get documentation.
“She was doing everything right. She followed the rules, instead of receiving fairness, her appointment was abruptly interrupted by ICE agents, and she was taken away in handcuffs,” said Soria. “This is a betrayal of trust; people are being punished for doing exactly what they were told to do.”
Maria’s family says they are in direct communication with Maria’s attorney, but there’s been no word from Federal Immigration Officials.
In response to Caballero’s detainment, ICE stated in part,
Maria Villanueva Caballero is an illegal alien who has shown complete disregard for federal law by illegally entering the United States on six separate occasions over the past 25 years. Despite being voluntarily removed five times, she has continued to violate our nation’s immigration laws, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the rule of law. She currently has no legal status that allows her to remain in the country and will remain in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings.
Maria caballero pictured on the right.
Maria’s son Omar shared an emotional letter on behalf of his siblings.
“On the morning of October 8th, my mother, Maria Caballero, was detained by ICE after her scheduled interview for her adjustment of status,” Omar said. “The news shattered each one of us as we all ran out of school and out of work to be together and to ensure my Mom’s safety. We are facing our biggest nightmare, the separation of our beloved family. To say that our mom is the foundation of our family is an understatement. She is truly the foundation of each and every one of our lives.”
State Senator Anna Caballero also spoke, advocating for Caballero’s release along with others, including Congressman Adam Gray, Congressman Jim Costa, Kerman Mayor Maria Pacheco, and Huron Mayor Rey Leon.
“To the Department of Homeland Security, stop hiding behind masks, tear gas, rubber bullets, and bureaucratic cruelty, release Maria Caballero and all the women and men that are similarly situated because we know there are more,” said State Senator Anna Caballero. “And to USCIS review and approve her adjustment petition without delay. You still have the power to do what’s right, and to every elected official in this state, if you believe in justice, now is the time to act.”
State Senator Anna Caballero says Maria’s story mirrors that of many others, including Leticia Nevarez Bayan, another Central Valley mother recently detained by ICE.
Firebaugh woman with no criminal record is detained by ice, state officials say 1
Her son Steven also shared his testimony at Friday’s press conference.
“My mother came here for the American dream, but I’m not so sure that the American dream is for people like me,” Steven said. “I can’t even put into words how difficult it’s been. The house is completely different. I have a younger brother, he’s 11 years old, and he’s without a mom.”
Steven says his mom has been in the United States for 40 years, he describes her as kind, funny and caring.
According to Steven, even in the detention center, people are already looking to her as a motherly figure.
He and his siblings try to talk to her once a day over the phone.
“I think she’s always holding back tears; she tries to be strong, but I think she misses us,” Steven said. “She is always worried about us.”
State officials are asking for community support by signing this petitionthat has already collected over 7,000 signatures.
Mayor of Firebaugh Freddy Valdez urges everyone to see the person, not the paperwork, and says the community will not rest until Maria Caballero is free.
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