By Farhad Sethna, Attorney © 2017
Daniel Ramirez Medina, a “Dreamer”, one of hundreds of thousands spread across the country, was arrested by ICE last Friday, February 10. He was arrested at home in Seattle, Washington State, where he was living with his father. Apparently ICE came to arrest the father as a fugitive, and picked up his son who had received a work permit (EAD card) under President Obama’s “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals” (DACA) program.
ICE alleges that they arrested the young man because he admitted to them that he was a gang member. His lawyers vehemently deny that charge.
The case bears watching because until now, the US Government had not arrested DACA recipients. Whether this is an isolated case or is the forerunner of a new policy by ICE remains to be seen.
The case is presently before a federal judge in Seattle, and Mr. Ramirez Medina will also face an immigration judge for bond and removability (deportation) due to his undocumented status.
Several issues remain to be decided on this case- the most important being whether the Trump administration will proceed to enforce the immigration laws against DACA recipients or whether the removal proceedings against Mr. Ramirez Medina will be terminated. Of course, this also hinges on whether or not he is truly a gang member. If he is, then his detention and removal may be likely. Stay tuned for further information.
About the author: Attorney Farhad Sethna has practiced law for over 25 years. Since 1996, he has been an adjunct professor of Immigration Law at the University of Akron, School of Law, in Akron, Ohio. He is a frequent speaker at Continuing Legal Education and professional development seminars on various immigration-related topics. His practice is limited to immigration and small business. With offices in Cuyahoga Falls, Akron and Dover, Ohio, Attorney Sethna represents clients in all types of immigration cases. Our number is: (330)-384-8000. Please send your general immigration questions to AttorneySethna@immigration-america.com. We will try to answer as many questions as possible