ICE, courts in tug of war for suspects
Release on bond sometimes leads to deportation bid
By SUSAN CARROLL
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials planned to deport a Mexican woman accused of kidnapping and forcing a teenager to work as a prostitute even though she faces charges that could potentially carry a sentence of life in prison.

Gregoria Vazquez, 58, and her son, 27-year-old David Salazar, are accused of forcing a 16-year-old girl from Mexico to have sex with men in a northeast Houston bar, according to police and court records. Vazquez was booked into Harris County Jail March 10 on felony charges of aggravated kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault of child, according to court records.

Vazquez, who was in the country illegally after overstaying a visa, posted $400,000 bond on the charges March 31, according to court records. After her release from Harris County Jail, immigration officials placed Vazquez in deportation proceedings, said Leticia Zamarripa, an ICE spokeswoman. She said the agency had planned to deport Vazquez as soon as possible. Vazquez was previously deported to Mexico in 1990.


Rest of story.

So, what does your county do to avoid losing a defendant to deportation before sentencing?