ICE is targeting immigrants for detention and deportation even while they are in the middle of a legal process to receive permission to stay. That's what happened to long-time Syracuse community member, father, husband, employee, and friend to many, Justino Vixtha-Nopal. Justino was detained by ICE in May on a 20-year old deportation order that Justino was already working to have dismissed.

Instead of allowing the legal process to take its course, ICE spied on him and his family, followed him to work and continues to hold him in detention. His request for bond was denied without explanation. We call for Justino Vixtha-Nopal (A: 076-495-178) to be released as soon as possible while his legal case to stay in the US proceeds in court.

Justino has lived over 20 years in the US, residing with his wife in the same Syracuse apartment for 15 years. He had legally obtained a drivers license, was working with a legal Social Security number, and he had contracted an attorney in 2017 to resolve an outstanding deportation order from 1999 in order to pursue an application for more permanent status. Justino should be released from detention while his legal case works its way through the court system. His US-citizen wife and 3 children are suffering enormous financial and emotional strain with his absence. 

Detaining Justino while his case proceeds also undermines his ability to communicate with his lawyer and most effectively pursue his case. It is negatively impacting his employer, a well-respected small business in our community, and does not serve the interests of justice.

Free Justino now!