Close X
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
ADVT 
International

Indian-Descent Immigrant Rights Leader Ravi Ragbir Detained in New York; NYPD Arrests 18 Protesters

IANS, 12 Jan, 2018 12:59 PM
    Leading immigrant rights activist Ravi Ragbir, an Indian-descent from Trinidad and Tobago, was arrested on Friday during a routine check-in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and ordered immediate deportation, irking local community in New York.
     
     
    A large number of his supporters, including several Indian-Americans, gathered outside the Jacob Javits Federal Building where he was detained.
     
     
    “Ravi is an acclaimed community leader, a loving father, and a steadfast immigrant rights activist. His detention is entirely unwarranted and reflects the Trump administration’s predatory behaviour in New York City and across the country. Ravi must be released immediately,” said Congressman Joe Crowley, a top Democratic leader.
     
     
    Ragbir, executive director of the New Sanctuary Coalition of NYC, was detailed by ICE authorities during a routine check-in.
     
     
    Soon thereafter hundreds gathered outside the federal immigration building in downtown New York City to show solidarity with Ragbir.
     
     
    Ragbir arrived in the US from Trinidad and Tobago in 1991 on a visitor’s visa. He became a lawful permanent resident in 1994.
     
     
    According to New York Immigration Coalition, Ragbir has lived with the threat of deportation for nearly a decade, as the result of a 16-year old conviction for wire fraud.
     
     
    He was placed into removal proceedings in 2006 and spent 22 months in immigration detention before being released in February 2008.
     
     
     
     
    During immigration detention and since his release, Ragbir has worked tirelessly to end the use of immigration detention, stop deportations, and secure relief for countless individuals.
     
     
    Previously, ICE officials had granted Ragbir prosecutorial discretion, including a stay of removal that was in effect until next week.
     
     
    Known as a fixture in the immigrant rights movement, Ragbir was awarded the 2017 Immigrant Excellence Award by the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, given to those who show “deep commitment to the enhancement of their community”.
     
     
    ICE justified its decision and said he would remain in custody pending removal to Trinidad.
     
     
    “Over the last 12 years, Ragbir’s immigration case has undergone extensive judicial review at multiple levels of the nation’s judicial system, including both immigration courts and federal appeals courts,” said Rachael Yong Yow, ICE public affairs officer.
     
     
    In each review, the courts have uniformly held that Ragbir does not have a legal basis to remain in the US, ICE said.
     
     
    In an exercise of discretion, the agency had previously allowed him to remain free from custody with periodic check-ins, while his case was under court review, Rachaelsaid.
     
     
    “He has since exhausted his petitions and appeals through the immigration courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and the US District Court. He will remain in custody pending removal to Trinidad,” she said.
     
     
    “In addition to Ragbir’s immigration violations, he has a previous federal conviction for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, rendering him an aggravated felon. He was sentenced to 30 months’ incarceration, and ordered restitution in the amount of USD 350,001,” said ICE spokesperson.

    MORE International ARTICLES

    For Girls, Michelle Obama Is An Empowering Example

    For Girls, Michelle Obama Is An Empowering Example
    NEW YORK — Healthy food and plenty of exercise. The challenges military families face. Education for girls around the globe.

    For Girls, Michelle Obama Is An Empowering Example

    Norway Row Over Child: India Ready To Help If Approached By The NRI Couple

    Norway Row Over Child: India Ready To Help If Approached By The NRI Couple
    If approached, India is ready to help the NRI parents of a five-year-old child who has been separated from them by Norwegian authorities who accused them of beating him, a senior official said here on Friday.

    Norway Row Over Child: India Ready To Help If Approached By The NRI Couple

    Indian-origin man faces ID theft, visa fraud charges in US

    Indian-origin man faces ID theft, visa fraud charges in US
    An Indian-origin man faces identity theft and H-1B visa fraud charges, Phillip Talbert, the Eastern California federal prosecutor, said.

    Indian-origin man faces ID theft, visa fraud charges in US

    PICS: Christmas celebrated at Indian embassy in Washington

    PICS: Christmas celebrated at Indian embassy in Washington
    A large number of guests from Christian and other communities joined Christmas celebrations at the Indian Embassy here Thursday.

    PICS: Christmas celebrated at Indian embassy in Washington

    US' $618 Billion Defence Budget Boosts Ties With 'Major Defence Partner' India

    US' $618 Billion Defence Budget Boosts Ties With 'Major Defence Partner' India
    Currently vacationing in Hawaii, President Obama yesterday signed the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) 2017, which asks Defence Secretary and Secretary of State to take steps necessary to recognise India as America's "major defence partner".

    US' $618 Billion Defence Budget Boosts Ties With 'Major Defence Partner' India

    Pakistani Man Charged In USD 140 Million Diploma Mill Fraud In US

    A 30-year-old Pakistani man has been arrested and charged by law enforcement authorities in New York for his role in a 140 million dollar school and college "diploma mill" fraud run through a Pakistani company that was shut down by the country's law enforcement.

    Pakistani Man Charged In USD 140 Million Diploma Mill Fraud In US