A 47-year-old Oakmont man living in the United States on a work visa was taken by Immigration and Custom Enforcement agents last week.
Many of the resident and officials in Oakmont have come to the support of Jose Flores through government action and a GoFundMe.
“He’s here with permission from the federal government to work,” said council member Jim Parsons on KDKA Radio. “He’s here with permission.”
Flores does have a job at a local bakery, according to reports.
Parsons says council is sending a letter to ICE asking for justification for Flores’ detainment and working on a resolution saying the town won’t work with Immigration law.
“It doesn’t mean that we’re going to imped ice, it doesn’t mean that we’re going to get in their way, it doesn’t mean that if there’s a traffic issue or something that like that, that police won’t respond to that kind of situation,” said Parsons.
He says what it does mean is that their officers won’t be deputized as immigration officers.
Parsons has also called on PA Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick, adding that Flores’ employer has told him the Republican McCormick’s office is working on it.
Parsons says the overwhelming number of people have come out in support of the steps Oakmont is taking, both Democrats and Republicans.
While Flores is employed, he is unable to earn income while he is detained. His wife is employed too, but Parsons says she is too afraid to leave her house. The two have an 8-year-old daughter.
Members of the community have started a GoFundMe to help support the Flores family cover legal feels and living expenses while Jose is detained.