Undocumented Immigrant With Misdeamenor Detained In Fairfax County

(Updated 11:36 a.m. Saturday) FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- Immigration advocates are protesting the detainment of a Fairfax, Va. undocumented woman with a misdemeanor detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement Thursday. Liliana Cruz Mendez, an 11-year Virginia resident, faces deportation within a few days.

Mendez was detained after a regular check-in at the Fairfax ICE office (2675 Prosperity Ave) at 8 a.m. Richard Morales, immigration policy director at PICO National Network told Patch she was under a stay of removal granted by the Obama administration. She had received misdemeanor conviction for driving without a license.

But when she arrived at ICE Thursday, she was put on deportation orders and was arrested.

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If deported, her family would be split up. Her two children are U.S. citizens, and her husband has applied to asylum, afraid to return to his home country.

“She did not have a chance to say goodbye to her family, or anything,” said Lila Zazula, Mendez’ attorney. “I’ve talked to her since and she is completely hysterical. We call on ICE to immediately exercise their discretion and keep this mother with her family.”

Around 40 to 50 immigration advocates, faith leaders and other community members protested in front of the ICE at 4 p.m. Led by CASA, a Mid Atlantic Latino and immigrant organization, the group trying to get public officials to stand behind Mendez. The groups have been holding demonstrations to support immigrants at their ICE check-ins.

“This is the real face of what ICE is doing,” said George Escobar, Senior Director of Human Services for CASA. “They are shattering families and children’s lives. People with no criminal record, people who are contributing to our community are the pawns in their game.”

Morales said Mendez has followed the requirement to regularly check in with ICE. "This is really concerning for anyone that is in a similar situation that's undocumented. They could also face [finding] themselves deported as well," said Morales.

ICE arrests of people with no criminal records has spiked under the Trump administration and brought increased enforcement in immigrant communities. Notably in Fairfax County, a February ICE arrest outside a church shelter in the Alexandria area drew a sharp response from some community members. Fairfax County Police has clarified that local authorities assist ICE with criminal cases, not civil cases.

The group have started a social media campaign #FreeLiliana to rally support. Follow Patch for any new updates on this case.

Image via Patch staff