On Friday morning, a news conference was held about the release of Muscatine resident Jesus Hernandez, whose full name is Felipe de Jesus Hernandez Marcelo. He came to the United States from Mexico in 2021, and has relatives in the Muscatine area.
Hernandez’s attorney says he is not facing removal, which is the legal term for the expulsion of a non-citizen from the United States.
His lawyer, Emily Rebelskey, was at the news conference, along with family, and friends. Hernandez, an immigrant without legal status, was shot in his car while thieves tried to steal it early June 21 while he was driving to his construction job.
He was taken to a hospital for his injuries. His attorney says he was shot through his right wrist, his right thigh, and he also was wounded in the calf of one leg. She said he developed an infection while he was incarcerated in Muscatine County Jail, and was treated for it at a hospital.
When Hernandez went to pick up his car, he was detained, his lawyer said. Rebelskey says Muscatine County Attorney Jim Barry is refusing to compromise for Hernandez’s release.
“I’m being stonewalled by Jim Barry,” said Rebelskey. “I have asked Jim Barry three times to sign a U-visa certification, and his position is that he does not negotiate on immigration status,. My question for Jim is ‘Why not?'”
A U-visa is a non-immigrant visa designed for victims of certain kinds of crimes who have suffered physically or mentally, and are willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of a crime. A U-visa allows eligible people to temporarily live and work in the United States, and possibly pursue legal permanent residence.
Hernandez was denied a U-visa, and Rebelskey says city officials are refusing to talk to her. Our Quad Cities News tried to reach Barry on Friday but his staff said he was in court.
Hernandez is in custody in the Muscatine County Jail.
This is a developing story. Our Quad Cities news will provide details about the case and upcoming court hearings as they become available.
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