Seven months ago, Vernon’s life spiraled downward when his car broke down on the side of the freeway and law enforcement approached him. Instead of offering help, they asked him for an ID. When he showed them his country’s ID, they took his fingerprints. Vernon’s record showed there was a warrant for his arrest for a 2003 probation violation that he was not able to comply with because he had been deported by ICE, and he was arrested on the spot. The probation was for a old marijuana possession conviction that took place 10 years ago, and led to his first deportation.
The judge who sentenced him for violating probation admitted that it seemed like he’d been trapped by the immigration and criminal law systems. Vernon served his time and is was released for good behavior on March 13th, 2014. However, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has taken into custody and placed him in deportation proceedings.
Vernon’s family is emotionally devastated with Vernon’s absence and with the looming threat of his deportation. His fiancé, Michelle, who suffered a heart attack a few weeks before Vernon’s arrest, was forced to go back to work full time and on weekends in order to provide for her family without Vernon. She is still on medication for high-blood pressure; her stress has worsened with the uncertainty of keeping her fiance with her and their family.
I am writing to ask you to urge you to exercise prosecutorial discretion in the case of Mr. Vernon Rodney (A 072 247 887).
Vernon Rodney does not pose a threat to public safety, on the contrary he is a hard-working, valuable member of his community. Vernon Rodney is a loving father of 5 children, four of which are U.S. citizens. He is a party-supply business owner and he is engaged to his partner of nine years, Michelle Campbell, a permanent U.S. resident. Vernon’s only offense is a 10 year old, non-violent, marijuana possession offense, for which he was tried and sentenced in 2003. Unfortunately, Vernon was unable to fulfill his probation because he had been sent back to Jamaica by ICE, which resulted in him being unjustly issued a warrant for his arrest. Vernon, is currently serving an 8-month sentence for that probation violation and he does not deserve the extra punishment of being deported and separated from his family.
Please use prosecutorial discretion to stop his deportation.
NotOneMoreDeportation.com is a campaign made of individuals, organizations, artists, and allies to expose, confront, and overcome unjust immigration laws.
As the immigration debate continues, #Not1More enters the discussion from the place that touches people in concrete ways and can offer tangible relief. By collectively challenging unfair deportations and unjust policy through organizing, art, legislation, and action, we aim to reverse criminalization, build migrant power, and create immigration policies based on principles of inclusion.
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