The federal government stated two reasons for dropping its case: "The notice to appear [at a deportation hearing] was improvidently issued" and "Circumstances of the case have changed after the notice was issued to such an extent that continuation is no longer in the best interest of the government."

Webster's defines "improvident" as "not foreseeing and providing for the future." What did the Immigration and Naturalization Service "not foresee"? What "circumstances" changed since they grabbed the Militant staff writer and Perspectiva Mundial associate editor on December 3 at the Houston airport on his return from a reporting assignment in Latin America?

He and his defenders fought back, loudly and publicly--that's what changed. And his fight won increasingly broad support. The case became an unexpected, and increasing, political liability for the government.

Why did Calero get such a broad hearing? Because the government attempt to "exclude" him from the United States, revoke his permanent residency, and deny him the right to live and work here struck a chord among many.

The immigration police, now the largest federal police agency, has stepped up its terror raids in workplaces. Over the past decade the number of deportable offenses, and the powers of federal cops to summarily detain and deport immigrants, have been expanded. In the name of "fighting terrorism" the U.S. government has rounded up hundreds, holding many indefinitely without charges.

As a result, hundreds of thousands of workers have faced victimization by the hated migra. At a time of continuing working-class resistance, an increasing number have refused to be intimidated and have stood up to fight.

Calero's defense campaign is an example for others pressing their own battles against deportation, frame-ups, or other attacks by the police. It shows it is possible to stand up to the bosses and their cops. The defense campaign has been broad and nonpartisan, seeking support regardless of political views, on the principle of the labor movement that "an injury to one is an injury to all."

Calero has won support from meat packers in the Midwest, garment workers in Florida fighting for a union, advocates of the rights of journalists, religious figures, defenders of immigrant workers, and many others. He has linked up with others facing frame-ups such as Palestinian activists Sami Al-Arian and Farouk Abdel-Muhti, Somali rights advocate Omar Jamal, and the five Cuban revolutionaries locked up in U.S. prisons on phony "conspiracy" charges.

The defense campaign is not over. Calero's attorney is seeking the return of his green card and passport. The Róger Calero Defense Committee needs financial contributions right now to meet outstanding legal and publicity expenses.

Unionists, defenders of immigrant workers, and other supporters of civil liberties need to get out the maximum publicity about this fight, both to seal the victory and make it a weapon in the hands of other workers and fighters for justice.
 
 
Related articles:
Róger Calero wins victory in fight to end deportation  
 
 
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