Cecilio Gutierrez-Berdin (A#099-025-599) loving father of two US citizen children, could be deported as early as next week. On Tuesday March 18th, ICE showed up to Cecilio’s house and detained him in front of two children. Cecilio is now currently being detained at the Tri-County Detention Center in southern Illinois waiting to hear if he’s going to be separated from his wife and children.

Cecilio has lived and studied in Aurora, Illinois for the past 15 years. He graduated from East High School of Aurora and is currently enrolled at Waubonsee Community College studying to graduate with a degree in computer science. He is an important and active member of the Sacred Heart Parish community. Cecilio has been approved for a visa petition filed by his US Citizen wife and has also applied for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). USCIS initially denied his DACA application, however his attorney has refiled it with additional information attesting to Cecilio’s good moral character.

Eight years ago, the Aurora Police Department and ICE went to where he lived, looking for someone else. Instead, they arrested Cecilio and labeled him as gang-affiliated without having any evidence. Cecilio does not have any criminal background has worked hard to provide for his two children. Immigration is now threatening to deport Cecilio as early as Tuesday and deny him the opportunity to stay with his family. He has a pending application for a stay of deportation and pending DACA application. Cecilio should be able to return back to his education and be reunited with his wife and children.