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Jackson, MS
10/15/08
Suspected illegal immigrants future uncertain



By David Kenney

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - They were arrested in a raid on Howard industries in Laurel last month. Now suspected illegal immigrants are speaking out about their uncertain futures.

Eight have pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated identity theft, but another 587 remain locked up in Gena, Louisiana, still waiting to be processed.

32-year-old Angel Olmedo is a single mother, now without any means of income after losing her job at Howard industries.

She entered the country on a legal work visa, but had switched jobs, for a better salary, which voided her legal status.

"To this date none of us know, were totally uncertain of whats going to happen, what the outcome is going to be. I don't have a job, I don't have any means to support -- I have a child, I need to feed," says Angel.

Ten of the suspected illegal immigrants are in Jackson this week meeting with the Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance. They have been providing housing and food for dozens of people like Angel who were field released, and are being threatened with deportation.

Angel says, "I'm really scared to return to Mexico because the news tells me the economy is really, really bad and the violence is really growing and at least here as a single mother, I was able to put my child forth and give him an education."

Angel is forced to wear an ankle bracelet so immigration officials can track her activities. She's required to check in with I.C.E. Agents once a month, but has not been given a court date.

Angel hopes to remain in Mississippi, but with no way to provide for her family, the possibilities for her success are slim, her dream for a better life slowly slipping away.

The Executive Office of Immigration Review says some of those arrested in Laurel will be given court dates, once immigration and custom enforcement finishes their investigation.

http://www.wlbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=9183475