TRAITORS (11 page)

“You look divine!” Pablo told her with eyes filled with excitement to have her back in his arms. “I’m sorry I left you for so long. You don’t know how I’ve missed you. These difficult days without you, seemed to have lasted an eternity. I know you are all in the same stages, having very complicated days, but I’m ready to fight ’til the end. Thank God my grandmother’s condition is now better. When I left, she was in her home feeling very tranquil. She wanted me to extend her greetings to everyone. She said she misses all of you and hopefully you can go visit her soon.”

They spent the whole afternoon at Aunt Lupita’s house talking about the progress that had been achieved so far, and about the health condition of Grandmother Andrea. They now only had two more weeks before the hearing, yet they still had nothing definite. Aunt Lupita had an appointment with the commissioner of the Red Cross the next day while Zina and Norberto had to go to the school on Friday to see if there was news from the Principal. Norma and Pablo would go to Major Smith, while everyone was hoping that Mr. Lee would have details regarding the files that he had given Councilor Gonzalez. Everything was as before. They did not have anything definite except that time would soon be up and the tension started to become evident in the faces of those involved.

Wednesday April 21

Luis:

Your brother arrived from Mexico today. He arrived very happy because your grandmother has recovered well. She sent you many kisses and blessings. She’s still not aware that you’re in prison since they didn’t want to tell her something that would mortify her some more. Pablo’s arrival gives us much hope since we now have one more person on our side to help us fight to get you out of there. I know we will be able to do it. Tomorrow, your aunt Lupita will go see the commissioner of the American Red Cross whom you went with, as a volunteer, to provide support whenever necessary. We’ll see what help we can get from him. You haven’t written me anything yet, not a single letter! Tell me how you’re doing and how you’re feeling.

I love you,

Zina

After two weeks of being detained in federal prison, Luis had already gotten used to the pace of life. The conditions were far from pleasant. The number of prisoners varied constantly and every story was more moving than the last. In the detention center, there were usually people from many countries awaiting trial; but the vast majority is comprised of illegal immigrants from Mexico, followed in number by El Salvador and Guatemala. There were also people from Europe, Africa, India and many other countries. Each was assigned a number and was given a card with a photograph so that they could be identified easily. Only in special cases were they allowed to receive calls. However in some cases, by court order or upon lawyer’s request, other people who are not members of the detainee’s immediate family were allowed to visit. As one could expect, most of the prisoners’ family members were also illegal immigrants. They wouldn’t dare go visit their husbands or wives. That’s how many of the prisoners spend their days; without receiving a single visit, making their stay more bitter and sad. It’s a pity to imagine where the American Dream of some immigrants has ended. They land in prison feeling they have lost everything.

On the morning of Thursday, April 22, Luis was ready to write his first letter to his beloved:

Zina:

It’s been two weeks since I came to this cold and dark prison. Time seems to pass really slowly here. I miss you more and more every day. I don’t know how to live without you by my side. I feel that everything we have dreamed about is now very far from being fulfilled. I long for the time when we can see each other again and melt into each other’s embrace of love. I have to keep hoping. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me and I await the moment when I can repay you double and heal the wounds that I have caused you because of my irresponsibility. Forgive me, my love.

We live like criminals here. Those of us who are locked up here fail to understand why life was so unfair to us. Most of our offenses have been minor, such as driving without a license or having been working with fake documents to support our families.

There is no privacy; they monitor our phone calls and open our mail as if we, being locked up in here, were able to commit a crime. The food is bad and there is only one TV set for everyone that may be turned on for one hour, three times a day.

We also need to be counted twice a day. They wake us up and we have to stand at one side of the bed. The situation is ridiculous for the offenses we have committed. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of seeing you again.

Thanks for keeping me informed of everything that is happening out there. Talk to Professors Ortega and Nyen! Like me, they came to this country undocumented. They know my life and I think they would be willing to help. I have read all your letters and I treasure each one.

Luis

Mr. Carl Rolmes, the Commissioner of the Red Cross, received Mr. Mireles and Aunt Lupita in his office. It was a gloomy afternoon. The cloudy sky foretold light rain, perhaps the last of the season. Cold air blew, normal for the month of March, but very unusual for late April. The sound of the ambulance leaving the hospital interrupted their greetings.

“Please come in,” said Mr. Rolmes. “It’s a pleasure having you. What’s new, Mr. Mireles? Long time no see! Tell me, how I can help you?”

“This is Luis Arriaga’s aunt… .” said Mireles, “the young man who accompanied us from time to time during our emergency rescues. You remember him, right?”

“How can I not remember him?” said Mr. Rolmes with an obvious gesture of delight. He fondly remembered their time in the collection center in Dallas.

“It’s a pleasure meeting you, ma’am. Your nephew, despite his young age, has largely contributed to the efforts of this institution. He’s a young man with a great soul, but I don’t understand the problem he is currently facing.”

Aunt Lupita rearranged herself on her chair, placed her bag on the desk and letting out a deep sigh, began to explain every detail of the plight. From time to time, she would be on the verge of getting carried away by her emotions but concluded her speech saying, “You understand, Mr. Rolmes, we are imploring your help at this time. We have encountered many obstacles and the case has become complicated.”

A heavy silence filled office. Rolmes paused for a moment to think things over.

Suddenly, Mr. Mireles interrupted. “As you can see, Carl, we’re not asking for much. We just want you to testify in court that you know Luis, which is a fact, and that he has done a lot of good. The judge needs to know that he is a model citizen who deserves to stay in this country. You and I know that it is true, as we both have worked with him. My presence would not have a great impact, but yours would, since you are a public figure.”

The Commissioner stood up and walked towards the window overlooking the courtyard of the fire station next to his office. He was quiet for a few seconds and then walked towards them. Putting his hands on the desk he finally said, “I think helping you would not be a problem. I don’t know his private life well, but I know that his help has been a tremendous contribution to us and to many people. I will send the letter of recommendation for Luis right away; and please let me know the date of hearing.

I will make every effort to attend; unless an emergency comes up that requires me to leave town, I’ll be there. But first, how can I check that Luis actually committed no other crime. I don’t want to doubt your word, but I have to protect my reputation.”

“Very well,” said Aunt Lupita. “We’ll ask Attorney Quintanilla to send you the complete copy of Luis’ records so that you can confirm what we are saying. I will send you a copy tomorrow and I am certain that after you have checked it, you will not have any objection.”

“That’s perfect!” said Carl. “Take my card with my fax number and send them to me as soon as possible so I can confirm my presence.”

They left the office feeling that they had taken a big step and finally had the first of the three people they needed.

The next morning, Zina and Norberto went back to the office at Sylmar High School to see if there was any news. Jonathan met them by the entrance.

“If you only knew the big commotion that took place at school… for starters, we are rallying many students to attend next week’s march calling for immigration reforms because Luis’ case has opened our eyes and made us realize that many of us are in the same situation. Our parents brought us here when we were kids so we can get ahead and it is not our fault that we are here illegally.

Sadly there are some people who are opposed to this. Some have even partnered with several teachers to ask the principal not to support Luis and not to be present on the day of his hearing. But let’s go to the office and let her explain it to you herself.”

The three went to the principal’s office and had to wait a few minutes to be seen.

“Come in, guys! Sorry for the delay,” said the principal. “Please be seated. We had a meeting with the superintendent early this week and we explained to him what’s going on. He gave us his views over the sensitive nature of this current social issue. He believes that there is much controversy over immigration; and we are aware of the legal status of many students, but we cannot involve ourselves in any of the cases no matter how special they might be. What the superintendent recommended me to do is hold a meeting with the teachers in order to come up with a general agreement and decide whether or not I will present myself in court on the day of the hearing. We need to do this as not to affect our school, in general, and the responsibility for any impact would be collegial. For now, we will set this meeting for Monday, April 26
th
, and we’ll be in touch.”

They left the office happy, because at least, the superintendent had not banned the principal from providing her support. All would be in the hands of the teachers and the student council; and all felt that support would be openly authorized, especially because they hold Luis in high regard.

“Rest assured, we will continue working with the teachers to convince them to back us on this” said Jonathan. On Monday, after school, I’ll touch base with you.”

That same morning, Pablo and Norma went to Edwards Air Force Base to speak with Major Smith.

“I didn’t feel so good this morning,” said Norma. “I could hardly sleep, thinking about our meeting with the Major. Do you think he will help us?”

“Yeah! I felt you were awake almost all night. I was also feeling uncomfortable with this matter. But don’t stress yourself out over the situation, you are almost six months pregnant and I don’t think it’s good for you or the baby. Take it easy, my love. You’ll see how everything will turn out fine. I think the Major will understand everything and will come on board. I trust his moral principles, but above all, I trust the friendship that we’ve had in the past few years, you’ll see. For now, since we know our baby is going to be a boy, what will we name him? And don’t say again that he should be named Pablo. You know that I don’t really like my name that much,” he said. “Let’s decide that later,” Norma said.

Upon arrival at the airbase, they identified themselves and were immediately admitted. They went to his office, and after the necessary formalities, took their seats.

“It’s a real pleasure seeing you both again! It has been nearly two years without hearing from you; by the way, congratulations on your baby. It’s a real pleasure to know that a little soldier is on the way,” said Major Smith

“Thank you, Major.” Pablo said, smiling. “Here we are, still standing firm in our struggle to defend our homeland.

You know that the battles are fought as though they were personal and fighting for this great nation is a real pride. But now we have a serious problem that makes us anxious. It’s making our lives increasingly difficult. We are here to ask for your help.”

“Well, I’m all ears. I just hope that it’s within my reach to help, you know that I have a soft spot for you both,” said Smith.

In detail, they told the Major about the problem that concerned Luis and the frustrations they had experienced thus far, including the precarious health of Grandma Andrea. They also told him that the problem was becoming a financial burden for them and that made it even more difficult. Smith was a little restless on his chair, trying to clearly understand the scope of the problem he was hearing. Although he was quite a hard, tough person, he was touched by what he heard. He had also lost his mother a little more than a year before. He was trying to see things a little cold hearted because, deep inside, he was facing a huge struggle between being kind and being patriotic. Although he deeply cared about Pablo, he also had a very clear concept about migration issues. Pablo could feel that the Major was struggling with his feelings, but continued giving him details of Luis’ case until the end.

“As you can see, sir, we only have ten days to comply with the requirements of the judge. Some people have already helped us, but others have turned their back; that’s why I would like to ask for your help. We have been by Luis’s side and we know he is a young man with good morals and he would never harm anyone. He came to live with us when he was just twelve years old and since then, he has been dedicated to school and helping the community!” reiterated Norma.

Commander Smith was a big man, over six feet tall and normally showed no emotions. He observed them for a few seconds with an expression of concern. Fixing his thick mustache, he answered, “Believe me, it is a pity that you are going through such a desperate situation. When one serves his country, he cannot imagine what is happening in the outside world. But my biggest concern would be: what would I tell the judge if he questions how I know Luis? I have always lived in a military base. Besides that, this could also affect my career in the armed forces. Needless to say it’s a very unusual case. Before saying yes, I must first investigate what repercussions it would have. For now, I will give you a letter of support which you can hand to the judge as I’m not sure about presenting myself in court. It could do more harm than good. I cannot lie to a judge saying that I know him personally. The hearing is on May 5th, so I’ll let you know my decision by Monday the 3rd.”