Some of our cases aren’t always a “success” in the traditional sense, but that doesn’t mean those stories shouldn’t be told. Mr. G is a community member who came to Beyond back when we were still called Community Activism Law Alliance (CALA). In August of 2016, Mr. G was ambushed by ICE because of his race on a public street corner while looking for work as a day laborer. The ICE Officers used derogatory language, harassed him when he exercised his rights, used violence against him, and detained him on the spot. He was detained for three weeks when Beyond was brought on the case by community partner, OCAD, and Latino Union. We promptly filed a motion for bond and Mr. G was released from ICE custody. One year later, current Beyond Co-Director, Bindhu Vijayan, joined the team. At this point, Mr. G was in removal proceedings and Beyond, OCAD, and Latino Union wanted the removal proceedings terminated. The enforcement actions and subsequent arrest of Mr. G raised serious questions that ICE engaged in unlawful racial profiling, surveillance, and retaliation against a day laborer for exercising his constitutional rights.
Unfortunately, Mr. G’s final hearing was delayed because of a judge reassignment and pandemic-related court closures. Despite the delays, Mr. G and his team were hopeful as there has been a slight reckoning in this country with regards to race and policing. Mr. G and the team finally stood before an immigration judge in March 2022, but the judge rejected Mr. G’s claims without hearing his testimony. Beyond fought that, and he had a full hearing in May 2023, when he finally got to tell his side. After 7 long years, his story was told. Unfortunately, it was not genuinely heard by the judge. In the immigration-removal context, immigration judges have the authority to hold ICE accountable for racial and ethnic profiling in violation of the Constitution and government regulations. Mr. G and his team pled with the court to use that power to ensure that ICE respects the rights that our constitution guarantees and is not allowed to benefit from the violation of those rights.
Sadly, in June 2023, Beyond was informed that the judge would deny the case. Today, the case is technically still pending as we await the final decision. When we receive the decision, Beyond will appeal: the fight is not over!
This is a raw and realistic look into immigration cases in the United States. Lead attorney, Bindhu Vijayan, said, “this story needs to be told to give insight into what people are being subjected to by ICE. It’s important to not be complacent.” While working alongside organizers and activists, Bindhu said she had to learn to practice differently, but when she was battling a defeatist mindset, wondering if it’s even worth it, these passionate people inspired her that it was. We ask that you consider donating to Beyond’s ongoing immigration efforts, so that we can continue to empower community members like Mr. G. to share their own story.