A federal judge granted Maspeth resident and Ecuadorian native Edisson Barros a stay of deportation. The Legal Aid Society, whose lawyers worked on Barros’ case, said that Katherine Polk Failla, United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, stayed Barros’ impending deportation on Aug. 16. The 25-year New York resident was set to be deported as early as 6 a.m. on Aug. 17, according to Telemundo 47.
This will allow Barros to stay in the US while fighting his immigration case. Gregory Copeland, supervising attorney on the case, said: “Mr. Barros’ case is yet another troubling example of this federal Administration’s cruel war to separate families, whether at the southern border or here in this sanctuary city. We look forward to ensuring that Mr. Barros remains in New York City – his home for more than 25 years – with his family and community.”
The cab driver was arrested after throwing his keys at an unobservant driver to prevent him from running over the family dog, according to QNS. He went to court to contest the charges but was arrested by ICE agents who were waiting for him outside of the courthouse. Barros was originally detained at the Hudson County Correctional Facility but was subsequently taken to an ICE facility in Louisiana according to the Legal Aid Society.
Barros’ family, along with politicians, advocates and lawyers, worked tirelessly to postpone his removal from the country. A rally was held in front of City Hall on Aug. 10 to contest his deportation. Among the protesters was his daughter Paola Barros, who started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for her father’s legal proceedings and familial support.
“This victory is proof once again of an important truth: that ICE is not all-powerful, that we have the tools to defend the most vulnerable among us, and that when we unite our efforts we can achieve anything on behalf of our immigrant brothers and sisters,” Councilman Carlos Menchaca, Chair of the Committee on Immigration said.
Source: QNS
