ICE Immigration Judge Decides To Deport Army Veteran Miguel Pérez Jr., But An Appeal Filed

An immigration judge decided to deport Army Veteran.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

March 18, 2017

Chicago, Illinois - Robin Rosche, an immigration judge decided that Miguel Pérez Jr., 38, a decorated U.S. Army Veteran with a green card should be deported after serving a prison sentence for a felony drug conviction. Pérez's attorney filed an appeal on Judge Rosche's decision and the Veteran will remain in custody on the appeal is exhausted. A press conference is scheduled for Sunday by his relatives concerning the recent decision to deport Peréz.

Pérez had served two tours in Afghanistan. He returned from war with severe PTSD and a serious brain injury and began to self medicate with drugs and was convicted of a non-violent drug offense.
Pérez had filed a request for relief to remain in the U.S. under the United Nations Convention against torture, which is a form of asylum.
Pérez told Judge Rosche during a hearing that he would be targeted for recruitment by drug cartels for his military experience and his life would be in danger, if he failed to join a criminal organization. The U.S. prosecutors argued that Pérez doesn't qualify for the asylum, but that he violated the law, was convicted and should be deported, despite his honorable military service.