A three-judge panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati has declined to block the deportation of a Mexican-born woman in Butler County who is the mother of four U.S.-born children. The panel agreed with the Justice Department's request to dismiss the appeal by Maribel Trujillo Diaz. Her attorney says it's not too late for U.S. immigration authorities "to do the right thing" and allow her to stay. The Cincinnati Catholic Diocese says she has made positive contributions to the church and community. Federal authorities say Diaz came to the U.S. in 2002 illegally when she fled Mexican drug cartels that targeted her family. Dozens of people held a rally yesterday outside of Senator Rob Portman's Columbus office supporting her. They called on citizens to contact their elected leaders.
Diaz has been moved to a federal facility in Lousiana. Other rallies on her behalf were held this past Monday night in central Ohio, and this past Sunday in Cincinnati. One of her children has special needs.
