(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Friends and family of Norberto Navarro gathered outside the Will County Courthouse Tuesday morning demanding the Mexican immigrant be released from jail.
He agreed to testify in the Joliet trial, which begins this week, but supporters say he’s being detained until he takes the stand as part of an agreement between the State’s Attorney’s Office and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“What Will County is doing is illegal and they need to release Norberto,” Sarah Southley of Centro de Trabajadores Unidos said. “Illinois is a sanctuary state, and you cannot detain someone in Illinois for their immigration status.”
Dozens of elected officials signed a letter to Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, calling on his office to stop Navarro’s transfer to ICE after he testifies as a witness in the trial.
The Illinois Way Forward Act, a sanctuary law passed last year, forbids law enforcement from collaborating with ICE to detain or transfer individuals.
Once the trial ends, it’s unclear if Navarro will walk free and return to his family, or be detained and deported.
In a statement issued later Tuesday, the Will County State’s Attorney’s said prosecutor James Glasgow signed a U-Visa to prevent ICE from deporting Navarro. The office said it is not working with the federal agency.
“Additionally, Mr. Navarro and his attorney voluntarily agreed to the use of the material witness bond until the conclusion of his testimony to ensure his availability to give his testimony,” the office said. “Mr. Navarro’s bond will be dismissed at the conclusion of his testimony.”
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