New Fairfield Dad Deported To Guatemala After Request To Stay Denied

A father from New Fairfield was deported to Guatemala on Wednesday, Jan. 31 after federal immigration officials denied his request to stay in the United States, according to multiple news reports.

Joel Colindres enjoying family time at the beach before his deportation to Guatemala on Wednesday, Jan. 31.
Photo Credit: *wamc.org*

Jon Craig

02/01/2018 2:30 p.m.

Joel Colindres illegally came to the U.S. from Guatemala in 2004 and has been living and working here since, according to this report by Connecticut News12. He reportedly was granted an emergency stay of deportation last summer,.

Family attorney Erin O'Neil-Baker said Colindres boarded a plane Wednesday to Guatemala. O'Neil-Baker told News12 that Colindres has always cooperated with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Colindres' wife, Samantha, has been posting on social media that the U.S. betrayed their American values and that she'll take the kids to Guatemala to be with their father.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal showed his support by releasing a statement saying, "I will not stop fighting to keep the Colindres family together. I have urged ICE to stay this cruel and callous deportation while Joel appeals the denial of his application."

O'Neil-Baker says they're already working to bring Colindres back. He's eligible for permanent residency because he is married to a U,S. citizen, the lawyer said.

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