A local man who works in Norfolk was detained this week by Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE), according to an attorney familiar with the incident.
He asked that neither his name, nor that of the person detained be revealed.
A local group is forming “to help this individual and others unfortunately in similar circumstances,” he revealed.
“We’re just getting off the ground and we are not ready to put out a statement,” he said. “In today’s environment, [publicity] could be a two-edged sword.”
He explained that the man’s immigration case had been to court before but was closed with no determination of status made. “The immigration case was closed, but now, because of ICE’s arrest, it is reopened. He was not in danger of being deported and now he is,” said the attorney.
The man was taken from his home and later released.
The attorney said the man does not live in Norfolk but has been in the region for 12 or 13 years. He is gainfully employed, married, has a family, owns a home and has many friends in the community.
“What they are doing is illegal, against the Constitution and morally wrong,” said the attorney.