Mexican detained in US despite work permit

(Vatican Radio) The fate of Daniel Ramirez Medina, who`s been detained in Washington State, and is being held, in spite of being protected from deportation by US Law, will determine the futures of tens of thousands of people, who were brought to the United States as children, by undocumented parents. 

Listen to the report by James Blears: 

Daniel Ramirez Medina aged 23, was brought to the United States from Mexico as a seven year old child, by Parents who were undocumented.  

He`s  never been convicted of a crime, has a valid work permit  and  a job.  In 2014, Daniel became part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program.  This was renewed for him last year. 

He was detained by US Customs and Enforcement Agents, who were looking for his Father.  They say Daniel claimed to be a gang member. Daniel denies this.  His Attorneys have filed a law suit against his continued detention.  There will be a hearing on Friday. 

Last month President Trump signed an Executive Order, expanding the powers of Homeland Security.  Those who are undocumented and have criminal records are being prioritized for deportation.  

The question is if this will be expanded to those in the Deferred Action Program.  This currently covers more than 700,000 people.   During the Presidential Election Donald Trump said he wanted to abolish it.  But the current situation is not yet fully clarified.