‘Face' of Georgia's immigration debate could be deported
KENNESAW, Ga. - She was the face of Georgia’s debate on immigration and fought to finish her degree at Kennesaw State University.
Now, seven years later, Jessica Colotl said she fears she could get deported after she learned Monday her federal protected status was revoked.
“I was shocked. I didn’t know what to think,” Colotl said.
Colotl, who has since graduated from KSU and worked as a paralegal, learned that her protected status under the "Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals" program had been revoked by immigration authorities.
“I had to stop work... I can’t do anything,” said Colotl. “My life is on hold.”
While Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials would not disclose the reason for the review coordinated with U.S. Immigration Services, Colotl said she believes the recent ordeal started months ago when she requested federal permission to travel back to Mexico to visit her sick mother.
Her attorney gave FOX News documents signed by an attorney for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Documents dated March 29, 2017, stated: "Due to respondent's criminal history, she is an enforcement priority... requests that the Immigration Judge enter an order of removal to Mexico."
ICE said the ordeal stems from a run-in with the law years ago that launched her into the national spotlight.
In 2010, she was arrested on the KSU campus while she was a student for driving without a valid license. She was flagged as an illegal immigrant, having been brought into the country at just 10 years old.
In 2013, Cobb County dismissed those charges.
In a statement to FOX 5 News, ICE officials asserted:
“Jessica Colotl, an unlawfully present Mexican national, admitted guilt to a felony charge in august 2011 of making a false statement to law enforcement in Cobb County, Georgia... Under federal law, her guilty plea is considered a felony conviction for immigration purposes.”
“ICE has literally created a situation... that allows her to be deported again,” said immigration attorney Charles Kuck.
Kuck said Colotl never pleaded guilty to any traffic violations, years ago; he also said has never seen federal authorities revoke someone's "deferred action from deportation" with someone who was never convicted. He said his office has filed a lawsuit for a judge to review her case and restore her status.
“We’re concerned, with not only what could happen to me, but any other dreamers,” said Colotl.
Kuck said he hopes he can have the case before a judge by early next week.