Racine Community Rallies Around Immigration Activist Recently Detained By ICE

Local officials and community members in Racine are rallying around an immigration activist and community leader who’s facing deportation as the Trump administration steps up border enforcement activities.

According to his immigration attorney, 39-year-old Ricardo Fierro came to the United States from Mexico with his parents as a 16-year-old. He overstayed his visa, was deported and then soon afterward returned to the U.S. to lead what supporters described at a news conference Tuesday, as an exemplary life as a father, businessman and well-liked community volunteer.

Last week, Fierro was arrested again.

He is temporarily being jailed in Dodge County, meanwhile relatives, members of the Hispanic community, local leaders and others are beginning a petition drive and letter-writing campaign to appeal his deportation order.

Fierro’s oldest daughter, 17-year-old Lizbeth Fierro, spoke tearfully at the news conference, urging supporters to contact U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, and political leaders, especially House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Janesville.

“There’s no time to be fearful,” she said. “There’s only so much time to act. I miss him and so do his other children.”

Fierro’s attorney, Kevin Layde, said enlisting the help of Ryan would be especially meaningful because of the influence he wields.

So far, there’s no word on whether Ryan will oblige.

Fierro’s community activities included serving on a couple of Racine committees, chairing the Racine Interfaith Coalition’s Immigration Task Force, heading up the local Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and serving on the Mayoral Advisory Committee, said Racine Interfaith Coalition President Linda Boyle.

Over 50 letters in support of Fierro have been written by community leaders, Boyle said.

“This situation has galvanized our community in a way that I never imagined,” she added.

A rally is being planned for 6 p.m. Wednesday at Monument Square in Racine.