NEW YORK (AP) — An activist whose long battle with immigration officials has drawn support from Democratic politicians in New York is appearing before a federal judge in what could be a last-ditch attempt to avoid deportation.

Ravi Ragbir is appealing a 2001 criminal conviction for wire fraud that led federal authorities to order him out of the U.S.

On Friday, Ragbir is asking a judge in Newark to allow him to stay in the country pending that appeal.

His legal fight has been supported by members of Congress, New York City’s mayor and several city councilmen.

Protesters blocked traffic after authorities detained Ragbir for deportation to Trinidad and Tobago on Jan. 11.

A federal judge ordered him released last week, saying people being deported have a right to say goodbye to loved ones.

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