NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – A farmer in Volusia County is racing against the clock to ensure his employee, Azael Martinez Sanchez, is released from Volusia County jail before ICE deports him to Cuba. On Thursday, a judge determined that Sanchez can be released if ICE does not act within the next 48 hours.
Sanchez was arrested for having an open beer on New Smyrna Beach, which is an offense that usually does not lead to jail time. Gordon Baggett, the farmer, was in the courtroom for Sanchez’s arraignment.
“I saw his face; I have never seen his face like this,” Baggett told News 6.
Body camera footage from Volusia County deputies captures Sanchez’s arrest on June 13. Baggett mentioned that Sanchez is an asylum seeker from Cuba with legal work authorization.
“A judge offered him a plea deal. If he pleads no contest to that charge, it will be dropped. I just paid his $59 charge,” Baggett stated.
[WATCH News 6 coverage of Sanchez’s arrest]
Although the charge is a misdemeanor, authorities questioned Sanchez’s immigration status and contacted ICE. The judge confirmed that Sanchez must remain in jail for another 48 hours, after which he will be released if ICE does not act.
After seeing News 6’s coverage of the case, Baggett reached out for assistance in connecting with immigration attorney Illiana Rivera.
She indicated that stopping the deportation will likely require a judge’s order, which can be time-consuming.
“He’s fully legal; he’s got documents that say he is allowed to be in the United States as a resident signed by ICE,” Baggett emphasized. “He’s not a dangerous criminal at all; he’s one of the good guys.”
[VIDEO: Employer of man detained by ICE speaks out]
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