Undocumented woman arrested after seeking protection prepares for possible indictment

Irvin Gonzalez’s partner, a US citizen accused of domestic
violence, previously received a light sentence after a conviction
for international drugs trafficking

Tom Dart in Houston, Texas
Thursday 2 March 2017 19.11 GMT

A woman arrested by immigration officials at a Texas courthouse where she sought protection from domestic violence is set to find out whether she will be indicted by a grand jury for illegal re-entry to the US.

Irvin Gonzalez has been held in the El Paso County jail since being held on 9 February by federal agents moments after being granted a protective order by a judge. The case prompted a national outcry, with women’s rights advocates arguing that the arrest risks discouraging undocumented people in violent situations from contacting law enforcement for help.

Advocates are particularly outraged by the contrast with her American ex-boyfriend, who had received a light sentence despite being convicted of international drugs trafficking.

The grand jury meets on Wednesdays, with an indictment against the 33-year-old expected to be made public either this week or next. Even if Gonzalez is not indicted she is likely to be detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) and to face deportation.

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