Judge to Rule on Deportation of N.M. Firefighter

Oct. 5, 2011
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- An immigration judge will decide whether an Albuquerque firefighter gets deported. Jose Gonzales, who works in the city fire marshal’s office, was picked up last month by immigration agents. On Tuesday, his lawyer said Gonzales was accused in a fatal drive-by shooting in the 1990s while he was a juvenile. Gonzales pleaded no contest, which by law is a conviction on a criminal record. His lawyer said that's not fair.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. --

An immigration judge will decide whether an Albuquerque firefighter gets deported.

Jose Gonzales, who works in the city fire marshal’s office, was picked up last month by immigration agents.

On Tuesday, his lawyer said Gonzales was accused in a fatal drive-by shooting in the 1990s while he was a juvenile. Gonzales pleaded no contest, which by law is a conviction on a criminal record. His lawyer said that's not fair.

"Mr. Gonzalez has done nothing but serve the community since an incident that occurred as a minor. There's a reason he was given a second opportunity," defense attorney Daniel Caudillo said.

The city knew about the drive-by shooting, but hired Gonzales anyway in 2001. He’ll remain in custody in El Paso until he faces an immigration judge.

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