Not one more deportation!

Latest


 
MERCED, CA — Joaquin Sotelo Tarin of Merced County, a decorated U.S. Naval veteran of the Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan campaigns of 2001 to 2006, narrowly avoided deportation on Valentine’s Day, 2019. Surrounded by wife and family, and numerous supporters in Merced, California, a decision was made to remove an ‘aggravated felony’ charge, which would have allowed ICE to deport him, despite having served sentences in jail and ICE detention.
200 to 350 Latino U.S. veterans in Tijuana were not so lucky, having already been deported. Many feel that if those who have risked their lives for this country can be so cruelly treated, that the deportation machine of ICE and our federal government will show no mercy for any immigrants at all. Hector Barajas, a veteran who was deported for over two years to Tijuana knows full well this story (See People’s Tribune June, 2018). A naturalized citizen now, he obtained help for Joaquin that was instrumental in his success.
Joaquin, suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after having been honorably discharged, succumbed to the vicious cycle of alcohol, drugs, domestic violence, and homelessness—a fate that has befallen so many veterans, whether U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents like Joaquin.
As a non-citizen, he did not receive the VA attention he so sorely needed. To make matters worse, his legal defense by a court appointed attorney was lacking, opening him up to ICE deportation for plea bargaining despite his stated preference for trial by jury.
As David Alvarez, a Native American Vietnam War veteran stated in front of the ICE detention center and Senator Feinstein’s office in Fresno, California: “ … the government is trying to ‘wash’ its hands by trying to send him somewhere else…He’s a wounded veteran. We have a responsibility to heal him… They gave me intensive treatment, and I don’t think he’s gotten that.”
Joaquin’s path is now open to naturalized citizenship. He has undergone the treatment he was initially denied. Joaquin remains committed to “passing it forward.” He is getting training as a counselor so he can help other veterans suffering with PTSD. Not one more deportation!

+ Articles by this author

Free to republish but please credit the People's Tribune. Visit us at www.peoplestribune.org, email peoplestribune@gmail.com, or call 773-486-3551.

The People’s Tribune brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: ©2024 peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

‘We Need Urgent Global Climate Action’

Eighty-nine percent of people worldwide want their governments to do more to address the global climate crisis. Conference on tipping points says situation is urgent. Meanwhile U.S. govt does more to boost fossil fuel forms of energy.

May Day 2025: United We Will Win

International Worker’s Day is celebrated on May 1st around the world. Today, the entire U.S. working class, of which immigrants comprise an integral part, is under attack. The defense of immigrants is vital to the defense of the entire working class.

White School Officer Pepper-sprayed and Kneed Black Beaumont, TX Student, Complaint says. Will Feds Act?

A 6-second video, recorded by a teacher and reviewed by the Texas Observer, shows an officer grabbing a student’s hair, kneeing her in the face, and knocking the 100-pound girl on her back.

Pope Francis Dies After Easter Plea to End War in Gaza

"In his final public message, Pope Francis decried the “terrible conflict” in Gaza.

Bring Union Brother Kilmar Home: His Deportation Is an Attack on All of Us

The deportation of union brother Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a gut punch to the labor movement, a slap in the face to every worker who dares to organize.

More from the People's Tribune