Immigration Activist Released from ICE Detention Center

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials have lifted the ICE detainer that was placed on 35-year-old Francisco Aguirre. Mr. Aguirre, an El Salvadorian native, was arrested and sent to an ICE detention center after taking refuge at an Oregon Church. The immigration activist was taking refuge to avoid deportation from illegal re-entry into the United States.

Aguirre is said to have been living illegally in the United Stated for almost 20 years. His deportation occurred 15 years ago when he was arrested and convicted of selling drugs to an undercover police officer. Shortly after his deportation he crossed the border to re-enter into the United States illegally. In August he was arrested for a DUI when he showed a 0.12 blood alcohol concentration. The following month, Aguirre was issued an arrest warrant for his illegal re-entry into America.

The Northeast Portland Augustana Lutheran Church was housing the illegal fugitive because the ICE has a policy where they cannot arrest aliens in sensitive locations, such as a church. Aguirre swears that he has turned his life around since his initial deportation in 1999 and is the coordinator of a Portland nonprofit day labor center.

After his arrest, the Portland courthouse had a rally of Aguirre’s supports hold signs asking the justice system for immigration reform. Even Portland’s Mayor Charlie Hales made the following statement, “Francisco Aguirre is an important voice on the issues of equity and immigration rights… He clearly loves this community and fights to make it better. And for this, we are grateful.” Crowds of supporters including the pastor of the church that granted Aguirre’s refuge was present at his hearing. Aguirre tells the court he refuses to be separated from his wife and children who are American citizens.