Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) today issued the following statement regarding the upcoming court hearing of Veteran Edgar Baltazar Garcia. Mr. Baltazar Garcia is expected to go before an immigration judge at the Port Isabel Detention Center this afternoon.
“Today, U.S. veteran Edgar Baltazar Garcia faces deportation, after having served in our Armed Forces and earning the right to citizenship. He is a hero and deserves our respect. He doesn’t know any country but this one. And most importantly, Mr. Baltazar Garcia’s wife, children, and family need him. I pray that Immigration Judge Barbara Cigarroa allows Mr. Baltazar Garcia his freedom so he can continue to serve his deferred sentence, attend counseling, and be a productive citizen of our country.
“It’s unfortunate that the completion of some paperwork prior to discharge is all that separates Mr. Baltazar Garcia from his fellow citizens. The system is broken and does not take care of those who have given everything for this country – our servicemen and women. Mr. Baltazar Garcia suffered PTSD and other forms of trauma from his service and upon returning home did not receive the proper care he needed. That in part led to this unfortunate situation.
“In the long-term, I am hopeful that my colleagues in the House and Senate will take action on the bill I crafted to address the issue of deported veterans, H.R. 1078, the Repatriate our Patriots Act.
“I stand with Mr. Baltazar Garcia and veterans who have been deported or are facing deportation. We owe it to them to do what is just and right.”
 today issued the following statement regarding the upcoming court hearing of Veteran Edgar Baltazar Garcia.){kind=link}