NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – A Volusia County farmer is racing against time to secure the release of his employee, Azael Martinez Sanchez, from Volusia County jail before ICE deports him back to Cuba. On Thursday, a judge ruled that Sanchez is free to go if ICE does not intervene within the next 48 hours.
Sanchez was arrested for having an open beer on New Smyrna Beach, an offense that typically does not result in jail time. Gordon Baggett, the farmer, was present in the courtroom during Sanchez’s arraignment.
“I saw his face; I have never seen his face like this,” Baggett told News 6.
Body camera footage from Volusia County deputies shows Sanchez’s arrest on June 13. Baggett explained that Sanchez is an asylum seeker from Cuba and has legal work authorization.
“A judge offered him a plea deal. If he pleads no contest to that charge, it will be dropped. I just paid his $59 charge,” Baggett stated.
[WATCH News 6 coverage of Sanchez’s arrest]
Although the charge is a misdemeanor, authorities questioned Sanchez’s immigration status and contacted ICE. The judge confirmed that Sanchez must remain in jail for another 48 hours, after which he will be released if ICE does not act.
After seeing News 6’s coverage of the case, Baggett reached out for assistance in connecting with immigration attorney Illiana Rivera.
She indicated that stopping the deportation will likely require a judge’s order, which can be time-consuming.
“He’s fully legal; he’s got documents that say he is allowed to be in the United States as a resident signed by ICE,” Baggett emphasized. “He’s not a dangerous criminal at all; he’s one of the good guys.”
[VIDEO: Employer of man detained by ICE speaks out]