9OYS Immigration Watch
'They've been deemed not to be a danger,' attorney representing released detainees speaks
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Nine On Your Side sat down with a Tucson Immigration Attorney who represents five of the recently released detainees from immigration detention centers. Video by kgun9.com
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Nine On Your Side sat down with a Tucson Immigration Attorney who represents five of the recently released detainees from immigration detention centers.
Reporter: Cory Marshall
TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - It's been about a week since Tucson immigration attorney Jesse Evans-Schroeder received the initial call.
"We hear rumors all the time so I didn't really believe it. Then, I started to get phone calls from some of my clients," Evans-Schroeder said.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement released five of her clients under last month's massive detainee release from immigration detention center's across the country, including around 300 right here in Arizona.
"There certainly are some people that are appropriate for detention, but the people that have been released are not in the category," Evans-Schroeder said. "I know that first hand."
The longtime immigration attorney mirrors the message of many migrant advocacy groups. She says the recent release shows ICE should not have detained these people in the first place.
"The people who have been released are just going back to their families. They're your neighbors. They're raising their children and trying to make a life for themselves in the United States," Evans-Schroeder continued.
Meanwhile, the Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Arizona Department of Homeland Security issued a joint statement March 1, demanding answers from ICE.
"Please understand that releasing criminal aliens onto the streets of Arizona cities and towns, especially without any notice, undermines public safety and undermines the public's faith in government's ability to carry out its most fundamental function," the letter reads.
Matthew Benson, Director of Communications for Governor Jan Brewer says the Governor supports the letter.
According to Benson, Governor Brewer is "seeking the answers and hoping the government will be forthcoming."
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