Hartford immigrant advocates are calling for the release of a community activist who was reportedly taken by federal ICE agents during a routine immigration check-in Wednesday.
Victor Sanchez, a member of Make the Road CT and Hartford Deportation Defense who has been in the U.S. since 2004, is facing imminent deportation after he was detained, according to those groups.
Advocates said Sanchez is a dedicated community leader, a business owner, an active member of his church, Our Lady of Sorrow, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Sanchez overcame a drinking problem to become a leader in Alcoholics Anonymous helping others find sobriety and has attended all appearances and immigration check-ins as required by the court, they said.
“His work has included organizing food drives, supporting campaigns for worker justice like Fair Work Week, providing support for neighbors looking for legal assistance, and creating safe spaces for dialogue among people fighting for their rights. As a result, he has built deep-rooted connections within the community where he has lived, worked and raised his family,” a release from the groups said.
Immigrant allies held a rally outside the Abraham Ribicoff Federal Building Wednesday evening calling for ICE to release Sanchez and showing their support for his family. During the rally, Sanchez’s daughter and son, ages 17 and 19, spoke about the pain of having their father and best friend taken. Sanchez and his wife also have a 27-month-old child.
Costanza Segovia, of Hartford Deportation Defense, said at the rally the presidential administration that has aggressively increased immigration enforcement is attacking people seeking a better life and creating a “racially motivated” atmosphere of fear.
“This has to stop and you are the ones that have to make this stop. You have to talk to the governor,” Segovia said. “They are taking people who are doing everything right, they’re taking minors, they’re taking students, people with protected status. … We have to be very clear about what this project is about and we have to stand up against it.”
State Rep. Jillian Gilchrest also spoke at the rally saying she was sorry for the suffering of the family and the community and urging them to keep fighting.
“I am so sorry that this is what we’re going through day in and day out. Coming together like this though, that’s what we need to keep doing. We need to keep pushing back. We need to keep fighting because what this federal government is doing and what ICE is doing is illegal. It’s cruel. It’s inhumane. It’s wrong,” Gilchrest said.
Gilchrest, a Democrat who is running for U.S. Congress against Rep. John Larson, swore to keep fighting for immigrants.
“I believe that no human is illegal. I believe that every person in this country is entitled to their basic human rights. I believe that when the state of Connecticut offers health care and offers licenses, we need to protect your information and your data … ” Gilchrest said. “I believe that ICE agents shouldn’t be able to just swoop in with masks on and rip people off the streets. I believe if you’re going to your appointment, you shouldn’t be arrested.”
Sanchez’s lawyer has filed a request to stay his deportation.
“Victor is only seeking for more time to put his affairs in order. He has three kids, one of whom is only 2 years old. His deportation would be an absence in his family,” Segovia said.