Thread: AZ: Manhunt on for man ICE tried to deport

Manhunt on for man ICE tried to deport
Posted: Aug 19, 2010 12:47 AM CDT Updated: Aug 19, 2010 12:47 AM CDT


Reporter: Joel Waldman

ARIZONA CITY, Ariz. (KGUN9-TV) - A manhunt is on in Pinal County for 38-year-old Jose Manuel Gonzalez-Sandoval. Authorities told KGUN9 that Sandoval said he'd rather kill cops or die than go to jail.

Now, his family is dealing with that possibility, "Why are you so scared of your father?" KGUN9 reporter Joel Waldman asked Sandoval's 12 year old daughter, Melissa, who answered, "Because of what he's done in the past."

The recent past is why Jose Sandoval's family and neighbors are so tense right now. A Mexican citizen, Sandoval is here legally, but many say he should've been deported long ago because of his extensive rap sheet, dating back to 2002. Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu is one of the many who wonder why Sandoval was allowed to stay in the United States. Sheriff Babeu calls him "a bad dude". In the lat eight years, Sandoval racked up at least 3 DUI's, numerous aggravated assaults, domestic violence charges, and assaults against officers.

It got so bad, ICE tried to deport him back in March. But, for reasons still unknown, Florence immigration judge Bruce Taylor canceled Sandoval's removal proceedings. A few months later, on July 14th, Sandoval was picked up again on an outstanding warrant. And, incredibly, he was let go again. Just three days after that release, he eluded deputies on a 100 m-p-h chase. It was quiet until Monday night.

Then, his daughter, Melissa Gonzalez told KGUN9, "Somebody rang the door bell. My mom went to go check it out. It was my dad. I dialed 9-1-1."

"Is your dad a bad guy or going through a hard time?" asked Joel Waldman, "A Little bit of both," answered Jacqueline Gonzalez.

Monday night he shot at deputies after they responded to that 9-1-1 call and, now, authorities tell KGUN9 that Sandoval has vowed to kill anyone who gets in his way,"This is not going to end nicely...but we want him to face the justice system," concluded Sheriff Babeu.

WITH VIDEO Manhunt for Pinal County Man ICE Tried to Deport
2:58

http://www.kgun9.com/Global/story.asp?S=13009743

Fed agents frustrated by judges’ immigration decisions
By: Sara A. Carter
National Security Correspondent
August 31, 2010

In March, Jose Manuel Gonzalez-Sandoval — who had committed serious crimes in the United States since 1998 — stood before Florence, Ariz., Immigration Judge Bruce Taylor on a deportation hearing. That day the judge canceled his removal proceedings, allowing him to stay in the United States.

Four months later, Sandoval was arrested again on an outstanding warrant but was released. Three days after that release he led police on a 100 mph car chase. Then in August, in response to a 911 call from his family, he shot at Arizona deputies who came to his home. That night, he escaped. He later turned himself into authorities after they began a public manhunt for him.

Sandoval, who had resident status, is only one example of a legal system that lacks working mechanisms for deporting criminal aliens, said Rep. Ted Poe, a Texas Republican and former judge.

“The federal government has the responsibility, the moral duty to send these criminal aliens back where they came from after they do their prison time and before they commit more crimes,â€