SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials deported a San Diego mother Thursday afternoon despite pleas from local leaders.
“It’s disheartening and devastating,” said State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D-San Diego).
Assemblywoman Gonzalez Fletcher said Silvia Ocampo lived an exemplary life in the United States, had two US-born children, and worked as a housekeeper. Ocampo came to the country illegally 24 years ago and was charged with perjury in 2009 while applying for a California driver’s license.
“In fact, she came to me,” said Gonzalez Fletcher. “We passed state legislation to allow her to get in position where she could in fact apply for citizenship.”
That legislation was dubbed “Silvia’s Law” and helped lessen the punishment for undocumented immigrants convicted of non-violent crimes. Ocampo was allowed to stay in the United States because her daughter has special needs. She was required to have annual meetings with ICE officials. However, the Assemblywoman said Ocampo was unexpectedly detained earlier this month during one of those meetings.
“I wanted to cry because my mom was taken away,” said Ocampo’s 16-year-old son Jair Cortes. Cortes and his eight-year-old sister may end up in the care of Ocampo’s 27-year-old nephew.
“We have to stick together,” said Cortes.
Gonzalez Fletcher joined community leaders Thursday in front of the Federal Building in downtown San Diego to protest Ocampo’s deportation. However, the Assemblywoman confirmed Thursday afternoon Ocampo was deported to Mexico.
