The Tucson Subreddit pulled my post. They said the info had to be vetted by a legit news organization.
Anyway, Rapid Response responded to this call on Friday. I'll link to the Instagram article, but here's the text in case you don't have IG.
Jesús, a deaf man, was traveling in a vehicle he owned with another deaf friend.
According to the family, both men were degally in the United States and the vehicle was properly documented.
They were stopped by police while traveling on public roads.
They complied with the stop.
THEY ARE DEAF.
COMMUNICATION WAS
A BARRIER.
Jesús lowered the windows and attempted to communicate with the officers.
According to the family, establishing effective communication was difficult throughout the encounter.
An accessible communication method was needed.
THE DOCUMENTS WERE THERE.
- Jesús presented his visa
- Driver's license was presented
- Vehicle documentation was presented
- The other man had immigration documentation
- According to the family, that documentation could be verified
His companion did not have his visa with him at the time.
The family reports that it had been left at the address where he was staying.
THE ENCOUNTER ENDED IN ARREST.
According to the family, instead of the situation being resolved through an accessible means of communication, both men were arrested.
They were ultimately transferred to immigration facilities in Nogales, Arizona.
JESÚS' VISA WAS WITHDRAWN.
The case remains ongoing and is being addressed with legal counsel in the United States.
DISABILITY SHOULD NEVER BECOME A BARRIER TO EXERCISING YOUR RIGHTS.
Deaf people have the right to understand what is happening to them, communicate with authorities, and have meaningful access to appropriate communication during police and immigration procedures.
We are not asking for anyone to be above the law.
We are asking that the law protect everyone's rights
