Standing in front of one of the four Mexican restaurants recently raided by immigration agents, a dozen community activists and religious leaders gathered to support individuals they consider one of them.
“This is an issue that impacts everyone in the community," Nicole Hallett, Assistant Professor at the University at Buffalo School of Law.
"Some people may think that this only impacts a small number of people but the people who were picked up were part of our community they contribute to out community."
Homeland Security agents raided Don Tequila and three other restaurants Tuesday. Several undocumented workers and restaurant managers were detained.
On Wednesday a Federal judge agreed to release two of the workers, but two still remain in Federal custody.
Hallatt says she and her students are developing a campaign to urge Senator Gillibrand and Schumer and Congressman Higgins to grant those detained clemency.
She says by deporting the low-wage workers, many of who have no criminal records, ICE agents would be punishing them twice.
