Santa Fe immigrant's friends post $15,000 bond
Associated Press - March 31, 2011 9:15 PM ET

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - A Mexican immigrant has been reunited with his family in Santa Fe after three months in jail and avoids deportation thanks to the efforts of his friends.

The undocumented man was held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in Chaparral, after Santa Fe police arrested him for outstanding warrants for failure to appear in court for traffic violations.

Jorge Hugo Lira Garcia's employers at a screen-printing shop and another couple signed for his $15,000 bond.

Lira Garcia's attorney tells the Santa Fe New Mexican his client will file for a temporary work permit and will make payments to the almost $1,000 debt he has in past-due traffic tickets.

The attorney says Lira Garcia is also requesting a pardon for entering the U.S. illegally 16 years ago.

Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com

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