Green Card Interview Ends in Detention at Minneapolis ICE Facility
William Lizardo, a Canadian-born dentist and father, was left in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody following a green card interview. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody during a green card interview in downtown Minneapolis, cbsnews.com reported. Lauren Lizardo, his wife and sponsor, stated that her attorney was present during the meeting and informed her of the detainment.
Lizardo applied for a green card second time
The couple met at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and married after graduation, currently sharing an 18-month-old daughter. After an initial green card application was denied in January, they hired attorney David Whalen to assist with a second attempt. Whalen described Will Lizardo as probably the best candidate I’d ever had.
At the end of the interview, the woman interviewing him left the room and returned with two ICE agents who detained him.
Deportation Order Sent to Previous Address
According to Lauren Lizardo, the government issued a deportation order because Will Lizardo did not respond to a notice to appear before an immigration judge. The federal notification was sent in February to a Virginia address where the family had not lived for over two years. Citizenship and Immigration Services communications at their current home in Victoria, Minnesota, without any prior mention of a deportation order.
Attorney files emergency motion for Lizardo release
While awaiting resolution, Will Lizardo has volunteered at a low-cost dental clinic in Burnsville, Minnesota, as he has not been authorized to work. Attorney David Whalen announced plans to file an emergency motion for his release. As of Friday night, ICE has not responded to requests for information regarding the incident.
Where William Lizardo was detained and why?
Where was William Lizardo detained?
He was taken into custody at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in downtown Minneapolis following a green card interview.
Why was there an active deportation order?
The deportation order was issued because Will Lizardo failed to respond to a notice to appear before an immigration judge, which was sent to an outdated Virginia address in February.
What legal steps are currently underway?
Attorney David Whalen stated that he would file an emergency motion for Will Lizardo’s release from ICE custody.
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