In September 2014 immigration agents came to the house of labor leader and Oregon immigrant rights organizer Francisco Aguirre house looking to take him into custody to deport him. When he did not open the door and asked for a warrant, they left. For the next two months, Francisco took Sanctuary in a local Portland church, while his family, advocates, and faith leaders organized a campaign to stop his deportation.

But during his stay in sanctuary, ICE switched its pursuit from civil immigration to a criminal case that enlisted the participation of the U.S. Attorney. In an example of a recent increase in prosecutions for re-entry from the Department of Justice (DOJ), U.S. Marshals served him with an indictment for a felony charge relating to Francisco’s return to the U.S. after being deported some 15 years ago. If found guilty, he could spend up to 20 years in prison before eventually being deported.

Francisco is the father of 3 children. He has lived in Portland, Oregon for almost 20 years. He is a long-time labor rights organizer at VOZ Worker’s Rights and Education Project. He has helped claim stolen wages for workers, has been involved in improving health and safety labor standards. Francisco is also one of the pioneers of advocating for the rights of day laborers across the country and along with the National Day Laborer Organizing Network helped found worker’s centers along the west coast.

Francisco came into ICE’s radar when last July Francisco was pulled over and charged with a DUI. Once in court, because there was no one harmed in the incident, and because this was his first driving offense, Francisco was given the chance to enroll in a Diversion program. This DUI, and a 15-year old charge that caused his first deportation, are the reason why Francisco is being pursued by ICE despite overwhelming evidence that he should be given a chance to stay with his family and community

Please sign the petition to support Francisco and help stop his deportation.