Quincy News: MIT custodian detained by ICE to be released from jail in time for the Holidays?

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In custody
A Stephan Savoia/AP Photo
– News from elsewhere covered by Quincy Quarry News with commentary added.

MIT custodian detained by ICE to be released from jail in time for the Holidays?

After many months in custody, it appears that Francisco Rodriguez might be home in time for Christmas!

Mr. Rodriguez is an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador who fled violence in his home country over a decade ago and then made a life for himself in this country, including starting both a family as well as a successful small business on the side.

An El Salvadorean round-up
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While denied refugee immigrant asylum status, Mr. Rodriguez did his best to abide by the rules otherwise, including paying his taxes and duly registering with immigration authorities over the years.

Even so, given a zero tolerance policy mandate imposed earlier this year, he was ordered to leave the country or face arrest.

“… yearning to be free.”
A file photo
Rodriguez was prepared to leave the country as ordered shortly after the expected birth of a son, however, federal authorities opted to instead summarily arrest him even though he had not been given a leave by date.

Granted, rules are rules, but this case is a complicated one as well as one calling for thoughtful and reasonable consideration – especially as the rules were changed in the middle of things as regards Mr. Rodriquez’s situation.

The scales of justice should be just
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As such, here is hoping for an eventual permanent resolution which duly considers his time served, perhaps entails an appropriate fine, but minimal further disruptive terms for him to be away from his family as well as includes an appropriate path for him to secure permanent residency.

After all, it is Christmas time.