UPDATE: With heavy hearts we regret to inform you that, despite a groundswell of community support, Joan was deported two weeks ago, leaving behind his pregnant partner Jenny to give birth and begin raising their new daughter all by herself. Jenny’s friends and supporters are raising funds to help, which you can contribute to here. 

Joan Muñoz (A#205159535) is a hardworking father and electrician from the Dominican Republic, who has been in detention for almost 2 months while his 37-weeks pregnant partner, Jenny, prepares for their new daughter all by herself.

Jenny has no family in the U.S. and depends on Joan completely for economic and emotional support. Since their separation, she has been struggling with depression and anxiety and has had to miss rent payments and cut back on meals.

Jenny and the new baby that will be born in only 3 weeks need Joan now more than ever, but ICE says he is facing imminent deportation for overstaying a voluntary departure period.

Tell ICE to grant Joan a stay of deportation in order to be with Jenny when she gives birth and to support her in raising their daughter!

I am writing to express my support for the reunification of Joan Muñoz (A#205159535) with his partner Jenny and their soon-to-be-born baby. Joan is a hardworking father and electrician from the Dominican Republic, who has been in detention for almost 2 months. Meanwhile, his 9 month pregnant partner, Jenny, prepares for their new daughter all by herself.

Jenny has no family in the U.S. and depends on Mr. Muñoz completely for economic and emotional support. Since their separation, she has been struggling with depression and anxiety and has had to miss rent payments and cut back on meals. Jenny and the new baby that will be born in only 3 weeks need Joan now more than ever. Please consider granting Joan’s request for a stay of deportation in order to be with Jenny when she gives birth and to support her in raising their daughter.

Mr. Muñoz has lived in the United States since 2007. He was placed in removal proceedings following an ICE raid on his home in early June 2012. After a short period of detention, he was released under condition that he would report monthly to ICE. Mr. Muñoz reliably attended his appointments. On November 8, 2012, he agreed to voluntary departure. During that same month, however, he and his partner found out that she was pregnant. Faced with this significant change in family circumstances, and concerned for the well being of his partner and his child Mr. Muñoz was not able to leave the country. On June 11, 2013, he was taken into police custody for questioning following a minor traffic accident. From here, he was transferred to ICE custody and his final order of removal was reinstated.

I am aware that Mr. Muñoz has previously signed a voluntary departure that has since expired. However, given his lack of criminal record it is clear that he poses no threat to the community. Further, given that his decision to remain in the country was driven entirely by a desire to support his partner and daughter, Mr. Muñoz is also not a flight risk. He has requested a stay of deportation in order to be with Jenny when she gives birth, and to support her in raising their newborn daughter. Mr. Muñoz has demonstrated his ability to comply consistently with conditions of release and to remain gainfully employed. Considering these factors, along with the supporting documentation enclosed along with this request, we believe Mr. Muñoz merits prosecutorial discretion.

Thank you,

[Signature]

Categories: Lost Cases