Heriberto and Araceli's story

(I hope these notes are accurate as I was caught up in the story and may have missed a few details.)

Here is the news article.

Heriberto came to US in 1992. He qualified for citizenship in 2001.
Lived in Goshen for almost 13 years and has been working in Goshen most of that time.

In January, while running errands before driving home from work, a State trooper followed him for a while. When he got out of his car to go into the bank, the trooper ordered him back into his car. The trooper stated that Heriberto was going 40 in a 35 mph speed limit zone. Heriberto gave him his license and registration, but was then asked for his Social Security card. He had left his card at home and couldn't remember all of the digits, but he could remember the last 4 digits. The officer believed that Heriberto had purchased his SSN.
The trooper then arrested, handcuffed and took him to jail. Then the trooper went to his work place to get get his employment records. The president, secretary others tried to convince the trooper that the arrest was a mistake and tried to show him Heriberto's documents. The officer indicated that he was trained in how to handle this and that he did not need those documents.
Their daughter called Araceli and said that Dad had not arrived to take her to practice. Araceli began to worry as Heriberto was almost always on time. Heriberto called from the jail. Distraught, Araceli gathered his legal papers and went with a friend to the jail. The jail staff indicated they could do nothing to help. Since it was now after supper on Friday, attorney's offices were closed. Fortunately, Araceli was able to post bond the following afternoon, but the ordeal was not and still is not quite over.

Heriberto had been through the extensive screening back in 1992 and now that ordeal and all of his documentation and freedom as a citizen seemed for naught. It took a week until they learned that the case had been disposed. During that time, his drivers license was not returned to him. No apology or explanation were given and feel a little helpless. If they pursue, will things become tougher for them?

They have concerns about how this may impact his future involvement in the community and the schools. They also fear that there is potential for further legal action against Heriberto.

As a result of recent crackdowns on both illegal immigrants and those who look hispanic, some high school students are shortening their class schedules so they can work to save money in case they or their family members are deported. There is increasing fear, especially with legal citizens who look hispanic, that they may become caught up in the abuse of power.

It can take years to gain citizenship, and it can take even a year or two if you marry a citizen.

As a class, we asked questions and shared slightly similar experiences as we tried to comprehend and process this amazing story. We discussed possible courses of action that we could take.

We were grateful for Heriberto and Araceli's willingness to share this story with us.