PHILADELPHIA - After Blocking Traffic - Undocumented immigrants released after arrest
Undocumented immigrants released after arrest
March 16, 2012|BY JULIE SHAW, Daily News Staff Writer
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After their release, Chairez, from Mexico, said ICE initially placed a detainer on her, but then canceled it. Lee, from South Korea, said that two ICE officers visited her in jail but that after realizing that she was in the news, left her alone.
The two undocumented immigrants arrested by Philly police Wednesday after blocking traffic in front of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office at 16th and Callowhill streets were released from police custody Thursday after a bail hearing.
Jessica Hyejin Lee, 20, a Bryn Mawr College junior, and Tania Chairez, 19, a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, were released on their own recognizance.
They spent the night in a holding cell at Central Detectives, 21st and Hamilton streets, before being moved to police headquarters, 8th and Race streets.
After their release, Chairez, from Mexico, said ICE initially placed a detainer on her, but then canceled it. Lee, from South Korea, said that two ICE officers visited her in jail but that after realizing that she was in the news, left her alone.
The two women said they think ICE did not detain them because they have been outspoken about their undocumented status and have a network of supporters. Both were charged with disorderly conduct and obstructing the highway and face trial in Municipal Court.
An ICE immigration official said he would not comment on the women's cases. ICE has said it prioritizes its enforcement efforts on people who present significant threats to public safety.
source: Undocumented immigrants released after arrest - Philly.com
