Newark Rally Aims To Stop N.J. Immigrant’s Deportation

NEWARK, NJ — A undocumented immigrant and New Jersey grandfather of four continues his fight to remain in the United States with his family in the wake of President Trump’s revamped immigration policies, a coalition of his supporters say.

Catalino Guerrero - a law abiding grandfather who lives in Union City - fled Puebla, Mexico in 1991 in pursuit of economic opportunity and an escape from a crime-ridden area, according to Faith in New Jersey, a member of grassroots advocacy group PICO National Network.

Guerrero has sought a pathway to citizenship for more than a decade, but has faced one obstacle after another after his former attorney “bungled the paperwork,” PICO spokespeople allege.

ICE issued an order of deportation against Guerrero in 2004 after his application for a work permit was denied, NJ.com reported.

Guerrero has no more connections in Mexico; all his relatives have died or are in the U.S., according to the Latin Post.

His supporters have managed to delay the deportation order for more than a decade. But following Trump’s inauguration, Guerrero is facing a looming date of March 10 to return to the ICE office in Newark and surrender his passport, PICO spokespeople say.

According to a statement from the group:

“In February 2017, ICE officials suddenly summoned Guerrero to the local immigration office. During the meeting, ICE officials refused to accept Guerrero’s prosecutorial discretion application for a stay and failed to acknowledge the clergy leaders who flanked the building in support of Guerrero. Following the meeting, ICE officials asked Guerrero to come back to the immigration office on March 10 and be prepared to surrender his passport.”

Several North Jersey religious and community leaders have since spoken out in favor of Guerrero’s pleas to remain in the United States with the family that he loves.

“As people of faith we are called to support those in our midst who are being threatened,” said the Rev. John Mennell of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Montclair. “When we stand with Catalino, we take a stand in the face of injustice to build a pathway to a community where all are truly welcome.”

“Our faith tells us to stand up with Catalino and all those who dream of freedom,” stated Rabbi Joel Abraham of Temple Sholom in Scotch Plains.

“The prophet Muḥammad instructed his followers to take care of the needs of our neighbors,” said Imam Saffet Catovic of Drew University. “Our undocumented neighbors need to feel care and support in this moment.”

Guerrero’s supporters plan to hold a rally at 9 a.m. on Friday, March 10. Clergy and supporters plan to walk to the ICE offices at the Peter Rodino Federal Building at 970 Broad Street in Newark and hold a prayer vigil while he is at his check-in.

Patch has reached out to the Newark ICE office for comment. We will update this article with any response.

Photos: Heather Wilson, PICO National Network

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com