For 28 years, or for however long they knew him, they did nothing to help him. Even though they knew the person they “love” so much was at risk of deportation. Now after the fact they want a pat on the back for being altruistic heroes.
I have an update on my gardener who was taken by ICE.
Three big things have happened since then.
1. The neighbors have all come together to help.
We hired a good immigration lawyer for him. We also found someone willing to serve as his financial sponsor. That matters because one of the things the government will consider is whether he’s likely to show up for future hearings. Having someone willing to vouch for him, and having deep ties to his family and community, can help.
2. We’ve raised enough money to post a bond if he’s granted one.
We think he has a strong case for being released from detention while his case proceeds.
He has lived in the United States since he was 16. (He is now 44.) He runs his own business. He has a wife and two young children. He owns his home. And he has many, many people willing to write letters saying that he’s an important part of this community and is not going anywhere.
We’ll have to wait to see if it’s granted. Fingers crossed.
3. His lawyer is asking to postpone his court date, which is currently scheduled for next week.
This is really important. The Trump administration is trying to move people through the immigration system quickly so it can deport them as fast as possible. His lawyer wants time to gather evidence and build the best possible case for letting him stay. Again, fingers crossed.
But this is what really broke my heart.
My gardener was finally able to get a call through to his wife two days ago. This strong, confident, capable man was terrified. He didn’t know what to do.
Then his wife told him what everyone was doing behind the scenes.
He sobbed.
I don't know if we are going to get him home. I wish I could tell you that we will.
But I do know that we are seeing both the best and worst of American in real time.
The worst is a system that can take a man away from his wife and kids and leave him sitting in detention, terrified.
The best is a group of people who heard what happened and immediately asked: What can we do? And then they did it.
I’m betting on that America.