Jose’s (Tono) Deportation Defense
Donation protected
On August 16th, Jose Vasquez, also known as Toño, was in Eagle Pass, Texas, celebrating his son’s baseball team being 3rd in the nation for the 14U Babe Ruth World Series. That same night, his son was awarded for being the best center fielder in the entire tournament. He shared with friends on Facebook, “What more can I ask, too happy and proud.”
The next day, as the entire team and their families headed to the airport, they approached a random checkpoint. Each car rolled down their windows and the occupants were asked if they were citizens. Being the honest person he is, Toño told the border patrol his truthful status in the country. The border patrol agent then removed him from the vehicle. They also removed and detained his 11 year old son, a U.S. citizen. Toño and his young son spent about 12 hours detained, not knowing what to do or what would happen to them. Since Toño has no criminal history and never crossed the border illegally, they were thankfully allowed to come back to CT. However, he is now facing a deportation order and we need your help.
Toño has been in the United States for 17 years, is an upstanding member of the community, has never been in trouble, and is an active, dedicated father to his two sons. He’s never missed any of their baseball games, and we hope never will.
If he is deported, he would be forced to return to Venezuela, a country in serious economic trouble with numerous violent repressive acts committed by the government. 2.3 million Venezuelans have fled the country since the crisis began in 2014, and as recently as this summer the U.N. has recommended an investigation into crimes against humanity. Clearly, this is no place for a law abiding, loving father. His two sons would have no one to care or provide for them if their father was forced to leave.
Toño and his family are well loved in our town, and we are asking for help on his behalf. The family will need financial support and assistance with legal fees as we fight for a stay of deportation and hope for Toño to receive Asylum. If you can find it in your heart to give, we greatly appreciate it. May God bless you all!
Tono’s sister in law, Yusmerith Cuguao, will be handling the funds for the family.
The next day, as the entire team and their families headed to the airport, they approached a random checkpoint. Each car rolled down their windows and the occupants were asked if they were citizens. Being the honest person he is, Toño told the border patrol his truthful status in the country. The border patrol agent then removed him from the vehicle. They also removed and detained his 11 year old son, a U.S. citizen. Toño and his young son spent about 12 hours detained, not knowing what to do or what would happen to them. Since Toño has no criminal history and never crossed the border illegally, they were thankfully allowed to come back to CT. However, he is now facing a deportation order and we need your help.
Toño has been in the United States for 17 years, is an upstanding member of the community, has never been in trouble, and is an active, dedicated father to his two sons. He’s never missed any of their baseball games, and we hope never will.
If he is deported, he would be forced to return to Venezuela, a country in serious economic trouble with numerous violent repressive acts committed by the government. 2.3 million Venezuelans have fled the country since the crisis began in 2014, and as recently as this summer the U.N. has recommended an investigation into crimes against humanity. Clearly, this is no place for a law abiding, loving father. His two sons would have no one to care or provide for them if their father was forced to leave.
Toño and his family are well loved in our town, and we are asking for help on his behalf. The family will need financial support and assistance with legal fees as we fight for a stay of deportation and hope for Toño to receive Asylum. If you can find it in your heart to give, we greatly appreciate it. May God bless you all!
Tono’s sister in law, Yusmerith Cuguao, will be handling the funds for the family.
Organizer and beneficiary
Jessica Herlihy
Organizer
Norwalk, CT
Yusmerith Caguao Bertolino
Beneficiary
